UNKNOWN SEAS How Vasco da Gama Opened the East by Ronald Watkins

A rare book on fifteenth century Portuguese exploration, at the time of listing, this book sells for US$40-$100 on Amazon and Abebooks at the time of listing. Our price is a nice price. This is a used book in good condition: clean with light wear and age. See photos for cover blurb and sample page(s). The book in the photos is the actual book you will receive - we never use stock pictures - enjoy!

Publisher's blurb: In the fifteenth century, the world beyond Europe began to emerge from myth and legend, and it was the Portuguese who led the way. They founded an empire that stretched from China to Brazil, and the peak of their achievement was Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India. Still today, landmarks, coastlines and currents around the world bear Portuguese names, and the oceans of the world are one vast watery grave for Portuguese seamen. For those who sailed beyond the known world life was harsh beyond measure. Yet the discoverers were not lured only by gold, precious stones and spices -- they were driven to colonise, to enslave, to bring their religion to the unconverted. Reconstructing journeys from contemporary logs and papers, this absorbing and wonderfully vivid account brings to life the captains driving their small ships, the ordinary seamen and the far-off, not always friendly traders they met.

Book Details

Code: SKU571

Condition: See notes and photos below

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 336

Published: 2004 by John Murray

ISBN: 0719564174

Postage: $6.90

Price: AUD $20.00