Over the Edge of the World CD : Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

Rating:
Summary: When the World was a Much BIgger Place
Review: With all the adrenaline packed adventure stories out there, its refreshing to read one that combines, history, science (crude science!), and politics with a great adventure story. SO while Magellan's epic voyage around the world and the dangers he encounters and brings upon himself will keep you on the edge of your seat, you'll also learn plenty about history, the tone of the times, and what those who lived during the 1500's knew of the world they lived in.

THe author is a fantastic biographer, writer, and historian. THis ensures an accurate, fair and non-hero worshipping portrait of Magellan and those who accompanied him on his historic voyage, one which had epic repurcussions on the commerce and politics of the times. I put this book near the top of all of the 100's of adventure/travel/history books that I have read. Its also worth noting that the author was kind enough to respond to my e-mail praising his book.

Rating:
Summary: It is terrific
Review: You might not have thought about Magellan much (...) but this is a great adventure story.

Some of the grand subjects for biographers weren't always the nicest human beings. This fact is part of the tension in "Over the Edge." Bergreen can't decide whether Magellan should be more scorned for his ill treatment of the crew or admired for the greatness of his navigation and ballsy achievement.

The book reads more like a contemporary magazine story than your standard turgid historical work, as if Bergreen was writing about something 30 years ago instead of hundreds of years ago. It feels fresh. And it's got enough plot elements to keep anyone happy, even if you have no interest in navigation or exploration -- political intrigue,(...), travelogue.