Unknown Lands [Hardcover]

Francois Bellec (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1585672017 | ISBN-13: 978-1585672011 | Edition: 1St Edition

This remarkable and beautiful book documents the period of exploration and enlightenment when the Old World began to open its mind to the wonders and mysteries of the New World. Five centuries of eyewitness accounts, drawings, and notes, taken straight from the log books of such famous explorers as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco de Gama, James Cook, and many others who names have been lost, appear in these glowing pages. For the sake of gold and God, these explorers ventured into the Sea of Darkness feared for centuries; the detailed documents they compiled are a remarkable testament to their journeys and discoveries.

François Bellec, a world famous expert in the field of maritime exploration and history, has assembled a unique document filled with extraordinary maps drawn by the explorers and their cartographers; fabulous depictions of newly encountered plants, animals, and native people; and detailed illustrations of the adventurers' own vessels and instruments, as well as the boats and instruments of technology that they encountered.

Bellec's seamless text and stunning images magnificently convey the sense of wonder and excitement that new sights and experiences inspire. Unknown Lands is a visually stunning book and a historical record of the great discoveries that challenged and changed the understanding of European culture. This is a volume sure to transport readers.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Bellec, president of the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle and former director of the Maritime Museum in Paris, has taken a detailed understanding of the history of maritime exploration and created a work of art. Weaving together logs, correspondence, and stories of the "ordinary and extraordinary men" who explored the oceans and unknown lands over five centuries, Bellec offers a unique snapshot of the cultural and political circumstances that set the stage for maritime adventures and New World discoveries. Eyewitness accounts retold alongside maps and drawings contribute to an enlightening view of the minds, hearts, and talents of adventurers such as Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and James Cook. Even more important, Bellec gives voice to lesser-known adventurers like Giovanni da Verrazano, who issued reports about the geography and character of the Hudson River long before Henry Hudson ever laid eyes on it. This is simply a stunning book. Highly recommended for all travel and history collections.
Mari Flynn, Keystone Coll., La Plume, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

François Bellec, director of the Maritime Museum in Paris from 1980 to 1997, is currently the president of the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, the administrator and treasurer of the Oceanographic Institute, a member of the High Commission of Historical Monuments, and consultant to the Commissioner of the French Pavilion at World Expo in Lisbon. A member of the French and Portuguese Marine Academies, of the Central Commission for UNESCO, and of the French National Arts Society, he writes extensively in the field of maritime exploration and history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Overlook Hardcover; 1St Edition edition (September 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585672017
• ISBN-13: 978-1585672011
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,715,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dramatic content and beautiful maps & photos, May 10, 2004

By 

G. Goodman (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unknown Lands (Hardcover)

First, this is a very beautiful book. Compared to similar style volumes in the same price range, I would rate it as exceptional. The paper and bindings are very high quality and there are some incredible paintings, maps, and photos in the book. Some of the maps dating to the 15th and 16th centuries are particularly interesting and add a lot to the book.

The chapters themselves are divided into rather geographical units. There are chapters on the explorations of the Indian Ocean routes, the Atlantic routes to America, the Pacific Islands, etc., so it is not a chronological history. But the presentation works very well and the reader doesn't get lost with the time jumps back-and-forth between chapters. The author narrates the general explorations, and then includes passages from actual logbooks or subsequent accounts from involved parties. The result is a very interesting take and unique point-of-view on the first European explorations of America, India, and more. Many of the paintings included are caricture cartoons of the popular view of the various natives, and they really fit well when placed next to the words of the participants themselves and what they were really thinking. The author adds just enough commentary to place the logbooks in perspective, but not enough to disrupt the focus of the book with his personal opinions and analysis.

5.0 out of 5 stars A special book, January 25, 2004

By 

Ted (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unknown Lands (Hardcover)

This book is more a detailed survey of the experiences of some of the explorers. However, Bellec does excellent research and it shows. One gets a close-up view of the discoveries/horrors/amazements that the Europeans went through in their travels. You really feel as if you are there when reading the journals of the various characters.
I loved it.