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  • The Great Age of Discovery, Volume 1

  • Columbus, Magellan, and the Early Explorations
  • By: Paul Herrmann
  • Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
  • Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (35 ratings)
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The Great Age of Discovery, Volume 1 cover art

The Great Age of Discovery, Volume 1

By: Paul Herrmann
Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
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Summary

In the space of 400 years, Western man methodically set out to explore and map the entire earth. During some of the most dangerous expeditions ever mounted, an extraordinary group of determined men forced passages through vast oceans, dark jungles, and withering deserts. Never has their like been seen since. What drove these soldiers, sailors, and civilians to leave the comforts of civilized life and face the horrors of shipwreck, starvation, cannibals, and disease?

The primary motivations were fame, fortune, and adventure...sometimes all three. But with some of these explorers there was also a sense of duty, the idea that it was their destiny to discover new lands, new trading routes, to further the prominence of their king and country, and to illuminate the dark corners of the planet to solve the geological riddles that had puzzled humanity for eons.

In Paul Herrmann's great synthesis of anthropology, archaeology, medicine, and wonderful narrative history, we discover the story behind the great expeditions. We learn how they were organized and carried out, what happened when Europeans confronted strange and often savage societies, and what happened to these explorers upon their return to Europe. We also learn what impact their discoveries had on primitive cultures and European society. But this history is also much more. The result is an unbelievable picture of mankind swept up in the dramatic passage from enforced isolation to a dynamic worldwide trading network.

Volume 1 follows the voyages of Columbus, da Gama, Magellan, Cortes, Pizarro, and others as the Western hemisphere is discovered and mapped. After Magellan's voyage, the world of trade takes a revolutionary turn and the fortunes of Europe and the Mediterranean are changed forever.
Did you enjoy Volume 1 of The Great Age of Discovery? Then be sure to listen to the conclusion in Volume 2
©2004 Audio Connoisseur
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
Europe World Adventure Travel
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What listeners say about The Great Age of Discovery, Volume 1

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Eye Opening

Would you listen to The Great Age of Discovery, Volume 1 again? Why?

The book covers many of the big events and characters of the early European discoveries. Throughout it is enjoyable with interesting detail whilst not becoming bogged down - it has a sense of movement fitting for a book on adventurers. It made me interested in visiting some of the locations.

What did you like best about this story?

This gave me an understanding of events that I knew little about, other than that they happened. The most enlightening part was Columbus' early explorations and the time spent discussing what was seen (or not seen) on the horizon and how it played on the minds of the captain and the crew.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

In terms of duration, the book is substantial and not very well segmented by Audible's chapter splitting.

Any additional comments?

The author tops and tails the book with references to Germany, without much mention between. It's odd until you realise that the original book was written in German for the German market. Also, there are some odd references that seem to jar with modern culture like "noble savages" but may be explained by the book being written in the 1970s. (To be clear, I don't think that there was any malice in the use of this term).

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Disappointing.

I was really looking forward to this book. A good account of one of the most amazing parts of history. Some parts brilliant, most not so. It's written by a German for Germans. Many accounts of German people of very little importance while major historical characters brushed aside very quickly. A pity.

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3 people found this helpful