Over the Edge of the World: book review by Mike.
Buy Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe
Over The Edge of The World Recommendation:
To all lovers of historical literature I highly recommend Laurence Bergreen’s “Over the Edge of the World”.
If you are picking up this book, it is likely that you already know something about Ferdinand Magellan and his famous circumnavigation of the globe from 1519 to 1521. However, the detail Bergreen goes into regarding the geopolitical landscape of the time and the events leading up to Magellan’s voyage is impressive and may not be known to the casual reader of historical works. “Over the Edge of the World” employs impeccable research and a variety of little known first-hand accounts to weave a story that rivals any popular novel.
I have read this book twice and perused it several times, always picking up some new tidbit or little-known factoid. I implore you to take a journey with Laurence Bergreen and Magellan in this outstanding piece of historical writing. See you in Seville!
Over the Edge of the World Review:
Laurence Bergreen’s “Over the Edge of the World” is a well-written and thoroughly researched piece of historical writing about, perhaps, the most important expedition of mankind; Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe. Bergreen’s depiction of this adventure does not begin when Magellan’s fleet sets sale, but discusses and dissects all the events taking place prior, most of which nearly prevented this massive feat.
The author begins the journey by explaining the geopolitical landscape between Spain and Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century. The countries were constantly at odds with one another, especially in the arena of world trade. Spain and Portugal were forever looking for an advantage over one another, specifically at sea and the discovery for trade routes in their quest for spice.
At this period in history, spice had the ability to create unthinkable wealth for kings who needed to fill their coffers and for adventurers who were seeking wealth that could potentially set them up for life. Bergreen describes in detail how loyalty to country took a back seat to seasoned explorers who needed to be commissioned by a monarch, such as Christopher Columbus, the Genovese navigator who claimed the New World for Spain. Such expatriation would also become the path for Magellan.
Magellan’s rise to the captain’s chair was almost as arduous as his journey around the globe, not only fighting wars to gain political favor and recognition but also a jealous king and spiteful rivals along the way. However, Magellan was steadfast in his ambitions and was offered a contract by King Charles I of Spain in 1518 for discovery of the Spice Islands.
Even the negotiation of the contract was treacherous and the first of Magellan’s five ships had not even touched water. Such were the politics of the day. But Magellan was as skillful a negotiator as he was a navigator and his course was finally set.
From the moment the fleet left the port of Seville, Bergreen’s account of the voyage grips you from all points of view, from the stories of the lowly deck hands to Magellan himself. There are class struggles between the wealthy and privileged cosmographers who relied on astronomy and mathematics and the pilots who were hired hands, those who actually risked their lives at sea but occupied a lower social status and were looked down upon by the cosmographers.
Then there was the constant struggle for water and food, the delicate balance between sailing on and stopping the fleet to replenish. With all these pressures, life threatening situations and with everyone watching and judging Magellan’s leadership and skill, mutiny was always tacking around every new corner of the globe.
This work is not just an historical account, it is a factual piece of legend that has all the workings of a fantastical novel filled with political intrigue, sex, power, greed and in the end one of the most gripping endings that will rival anything offered in fantasy. Moreover, it changed the field of exploration forever.
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A very enticing review on the book, ‘Over the Edge of The World’…great job Mike!
I have yet to read this book and as a matter of fact, I hadn’t even heard of it yet until I stumbled across your review here while sifting through your website (which is entirely full of great reviews from what I’ve read thus far).
I love reading reviews which offer so much depth and insight on good books, especially writings about important historical events…and even more so when the author has managed to captivate the reader to the point that they just can’t seem to put the book down until the very last word has been read!
I will definitely have to add this one to my ‘to read’ list. Do you know if this book is available for digital download on the iPad? And if so, where is the lowest priced place to download it from?
All The Best,
Jeremy David Wilson
Hello Jeremy,
Thank you for your comment.
I am pleased that you enjoy my review of Over the Edge of the World. It is a fantastic read and full of interesting facts.
You can get the eBook version on your iPad if you have a Kindle app or iBook app. I am not sure which on would be cheaper.
You can also listen to the book for free by trying Audible Free Trial
Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like an awesome read & something more interesting about the behind-the-scenes other than sailing the Ocean Blue.
I would recommend Over the Edge of the World to anyone who is interested in historical aspects of the book.
You are correct that it is more than just sailing the Ocean Blue!
Thanks for your comments Josh.
We hope to see you again!
I really liked your review on this book . I will definitely have to check it out .
Thanks for your comments Tara!
I hope you will drop by again.
Great review Mike. Also one of my favourites.
Thanks Si!
Good to know that we enjoy the same kind of books.
After reading the great detail you put into this article about this book I definitely want to read it now… has struck my curiosity. My husband loves reading anything about history so I may get it without him knowing first then let him read it when I’m done. LOL Otherwise he will snatch it right up. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the comment!
Your husband will love this read since it contains more history than he (and you) will expect. I’m sure you’ll both appreciate how deep the author goes leading up to and during the voyage.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on your way back around the globe!
Sounds intriguing. Picking it up today! I’ll let you know what I think. I’m a slow reader so be patient.
Hi Laura – Thanks for the comment!
This book is perfect for a slow read. You’ll want to really absorb all that went on before, during and after the voyage. There’s a lot of information and aspects I was never aware of and it kept my attention throughout. Just enjoy the learning and the journey.
Let me know what you think of Over the Edge of the World when you are done.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
A fabulous review on ‘Over the Edge of The World’. I love reading books which gives so much depth and insight into important historical events especially when the author has managed to captivate the reader. Another book to add to my ‘to read’ list.
Thank you very much and I couldn’t agree more. ‘Over the Edge of the World’ was as much about Magellan’s journey before the actual voyage than the expedition itself. I loved every page.
I look forward to hearing your views!