Over the Edge of the World

Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

By: Laurence Bergreen

Narrated by: Laurence Bergreen

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1519 Magellan and his fleet of five ships set sail from Seville, Spain, to discover a water route to the fabled Spice Islands in Indonesia, where the most sought-after commodities (cloves, pepper, and nutmeg) flourished. Three years later, a handful of survivors returned with an abundance of spices from their intended destination, but with just one ship carrying 18 emaciated men. During their remarkable voyage around the world the crew endured starvation, disease, mutiny, and torture. Many men died, including Magellan, who was violently killed in a fierce battle.

This is the first full account in nearly half a century of this voyage into history: a tour of the world emerging from the Middle Ages into the Renaissance; a startling anthropological account of tribes, languages, and customs unknown to Europeans; and a chronicle of a desperate grab for commercial and political power.

©2003 Laurence Bergreen (P)2003 HarperCollinsPublishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Journalist Bergreen] superbly recreates Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan's obsessive 16th-century quest....Bergreen writes this powerful tale of adventure with a strong presence and rich detail." (Publishers Weekly)

"Bergreen tells a well-rounded story of Magellan....He also puts the voyage into its historical context....Fascinating reading for history buffs, and a great story that rivals any seagoing adventure." (Booklist)

great story

it is amazing how little I knew about the Magellan expedition. we arent taught the details of his voyage in school, just that he was the first to circumnavigate the globe. I didnt know he was killed during the adventure. I am glad I got this book to learn more. It is amazing and a little sickening to hear what jerks the Spanish and Portuguese were in the 16th century. Their arrogance is repulsive.

History that comes alive

I loved this book. It tells about the people and the conditions of a much earlier time revealing the courage and motivation for why sea captains would risk it all and leave such a lasting legacy. The story is rich in describing the world and politics of the time, how savage seaman could be and the violence of going against authority. And yet Magellan held it together and made it 2/3 of the long way around the world by sea. Only to have treachery from mutineers ruin his achievement. A story that is well worth the time to read.

Interesting story but not overly compelling

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed the book enough not regret listening to it. There certainly were very interesting parts of the story. It simply wasn't consistently interesting.

Straight to the point

A very straight line account of Magellan’s journey. An enjoyable listen, interesting history, many lessons to learn from his wins and losses.

The greatest story you thought you knew.

This is a great story about the first circumnavigation of the globe and all the things that no one ever taught you.

A good listen

The author reads this book. His voice may not be "Heston's" but his elocution and delivery were transparent to the great story. I was enthralled by the unbelievable misadventures of these 16th century "men from the moon" who dealt with their new environs with a middle age mindset. Great story. I recommend it.

An incredible story of endurance and determination

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, of course (and already did...). It is almost unimaginable that such an undertake happened in the years of 1518-21!!!! This is almost 500 years ago... The hardship sea goers were submitted to: storms, lack of water and food, diseases, pests, etc. is beyond imagination, but thanks to Antonio Pigafetta and his journal, and the research performed by the author, we are led to travel in time to witness what no one has never done before.

What did you like best about this story?

Antonio Pigafetta, for his continued effort in documenting, with so many details, all (or most) events of this voyage. His apparent impartial description of events detailed in his journal (from most of the information was taken for this book - I imagine) is just amazing.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many, but probably the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and the events that happened in that area. Just Magellan's belief that such a strait would exist, and his persistence in finding it is fantastic. I can only imagine navigating in that strait and, at some point, facing and open ocean across the continent and think "I have done it!!!". Little he knew what was to come...

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

I would if I could.

Any additional comments?

What I find amazing is how quick a nation or a race can interfere and modify another in such a shot period of time. The fact that Europeans sailors in those days would mingle with local women (indigenous) for a few days or weeks and, as a result, generate an off-spring that could be so different from the local population just blows my mind. And thinking that those events have most likely happened everywhere those explored have been (Americas, Pacific Islands, etc...) by free willing or by force, and for centuries, is beyond comprehension. I have read other books on explorations and voyages (Sea of Glory, Endurance, In the Heart of the Sea) and in no one such facts were described as clearly as the author did. Great contribution for Anthropology.

Real historical adventure

As a collage professor and administrator, I was disappointed when this was introduced a kid’s book. Life is often more imaginative, gorier, and less predictable than fiction. The writer was able to hold my attention and stoke my imagination with lucid prose, a riveting plot and the absence of dumbed down vocabulary and adult themes. This historical page turner will be the source of many discussions of human motivation, decision-making, and morality wherever it is available.

History, Geography, Politics and Adventure

This book makes this important event in history come alive. The parallels to modern space exploration are amazing, from the funding, and politics to the since of adventure and the search for riches and strategic advantage. It's truly an amazing story.

The author did a credible job of reading, but I would have preferred a professional reader.

An Epic Adventure

This book was an amazing description, not long winded, but yet full of detail! Read this book if you want to be part of an epic journey!