Magellan and the First Voyage Around the World [Hardcover]

Nancy Smiler Levinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2001 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Determined to find a new and better route to Asia and the distant and profitable Spice Islands, Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Spain in 1519 on what would become the history-making first circumnavigation of the world. Magellan himself did not complete the journey—he was killed by a poison arrow while on the Pacific island of Mactan—but the expedition he mounted forever changed the course of human exploration. Details of the journey, including Magellan’s tools of navigation, the political battles for control over the valuable islands of the Pacific, and Magellan’s final moments in battle, are all vividly portrayed

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This biography of Ferdinand Magellan, who in 1519 commanded the "most remarkable and perilous [voyage] in seafaring history," rarely captures the drama of its subject. Not only does the pageantry of the age of discovery elude the text, but the author frequently fails to explain and explore historical and cultural contexts. For example, the narrative offers simplistic commentary on the violent raping and pillaging of the Muslim city Kilwa during Magellan's first sea journey: "Such savagery is difficult to understand, but Christians saw no wrong in massacring people in those far-off regions." Discussions of technological issues, such as the inability to calculate longitude, do not convey the danger and hardship associated with them. Levinson (Christopher Columbus: Voyager to the Unknown) picks up some speed when she turns to Magellan's great journey (originally intended to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, not to circumnavigate the globe). She documents such developments as Magellan's need to renounce Portuguese citizenship to seek royal patronage in Spain, and the court intrigue that planted mutinous spies as captains of Magellan's accompanying vessels. On the whole, however, the treatment is only serviceable, unlikely to inspire awe or fire the imagination. Ages 9-14.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-This unbiased and insightful biography of the famous Portuguese explorer captures not only the times in which he lived, but also reveals his humanity, his perseverance, and his final triumphs. Lesser-known facts are illuminated and unfamiliar vocabulary is defined within the absorbing narrative. Excellent-quality drawings and reproductions are well dispersed to keep young people engaged and to provide background information; the maps are useful and interesting. A treasure for reports and for general readers.

Kim Donius, Alfred-Almond Central School, Almond, NY

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395987733
• ISBN-13: 978-0395987735
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,050,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nonfiction account kids will remember, November 5, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magellan and the First Voyage Around the World (Hardcover)

Nancy Smiler Levinson's Magellan And The First Voyage Around The World provides a lively account of his 1519 journey with his fleet of five ships and almost three hundred men. Storms, disease, and attacks by natives marred his voyage. This reads like fiction but is a nonfiction account kids will remember.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I expect a little more, February 9, 2009

By 

M. Musskopf - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magellan and the First Voyage Around the World (Hardcover)

Well the Magellan was the first man that we have registry that complete a circumnavigation. The book have good information but I was expecting more from "this" historic man. The book have a very good start but just before the middle the time goes fast and the details are going to be worst. Maybe if the author put a little more details it could be more interesting and exciting.