Ferdinand Magellan and the Quest to Circle the Globe (Explorers of New Lands)

A series called "Explorers of New Lands" would surely have to include Magellan, first man to circumnavigate the globe—or was he? Readers will be interested to learn that the ambitious Magellan didn't make it—he was killed in the Philippines, a victim of over-confidence and chief Lapu-Lapu of the Mactan tribe. The person deserving the honor of being first was probably Enrique, Magellan's Malay slave.

After a look at Magellan's finding of the legendary strait leading to the Pacific, the author gives background on the rivalry between Spain and Portugal and information about Magellan's early life. Then he describes the perils of the expedition, including hardships, mutinies, and lost ships. Finally, with Magellan dead, two of the five original ships started home laden with precious spices; one got lost and only one arrived in Spain.

Included are a timeline, a chronology, bibliographies, and an index.