Over the Edge of the World (Abridged): Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe Audiobook

" This book was a fascinating and engaging description of Magellan's travels around the world which I liked since I had just returned from Patagonia. "

" What a journey this was. Five ships and 260 or so men left to go around the world. One ship with about 20 men came home to Spain with enough cloves to finance the whole trip. The myths about falling off the edge of the world were stopped once and forever. Magellan never made it back because irate Filipinos rightly did him in. But his crew mates did, and the world changed because of it. "

" It was pretty amazing what was accomplished with such primitive navigation equipment. Now we can't get around the city without a GPS. The hardships were incredible and why anyone would want to undertake a journey like that is beyond me. The end got pretty slow with all the political stuff. "

" Enjoyed this audiobook. Learned a lot too. "

" Great pacing and the right amount of detail for those of us not very familiar with 16th century navigation. Thank goodness for the diarists traveling with Magellan's armada; without their descriptions and reports, this book couldn't have been written. "

" Historical research made readable. Rich in time relevant cultural background, plausible historical suppositions, rotten teeth, filthy sailors, unbelievable physical challenges, tortures, and vanity. This should be required reading in social studies classes. "

" amazing account of Magellan's voyage around the world "

" This book is filled with extraordinary detail. It is virtually a page turner--it goes from one astonishing episode to another. It is unbelievable that one out of the five ships actually made it around the world (with 18 of the original 260 sailors) and made a profit! Fabulous read! "

" Really enjoyed this one. Here's what I knew about Magellan before I read this book: he was the first to sail around the world. Loved learning more about him and the voyage. I was surprised to learn that Magellan didn't even make it all the way around the globe. This one deserves 4.5. "

" Torture! Cannibalism! and haphazard exploration! "

" This seems to be the definitive account of Magellan's voyage. Really brings to life how terrible, dangerous and uncertain the journey was. The book does a good job of presenting the good and the bad of the Captain General and his crew. "

" This was a great, great read because it was an adventure and about engaging with the unknown. They expected violent cannibals when they sailed into what is now Rio and instead had naked women swim out to their ship wanting to have sex with them. Sometimes you just never know "

" fascinating historical account of one of the great adventures of the age of discovery - written so accessibly that it almost feels like a novel "

" Amazing book about Magellan's journey around the world. A lot of detail and research was put into the book. If you like history you will love this book. "

" Amazing so far! Many die from scurvy as they try to make it to the spice islands. The multiple mutinies against Magellan (the "captain general" of the voyage) demonstrate the complex, bitter hatred between Spain and Portugal (Magellan was Portuguese, but sailing for King Phillip of Spain). "

" Recommended by and borrowed from a colleague, this is a really excellent telling of the voyage of Magellan and his Armada. I would much rather learn the history of the world in this manner than memorizing dates and other facts. I definitely recommend this, especially if you like history. "

" It was fairly interesting. I learned alot about about Magellan and his famous voyage. Gave me a much greater appreciation for those in the age of discovery and all that their lives entailed. "

" Awesome book about one of the greatest feats in maritime history. War, sex, betrayal all make for a good historical read. "

" I was really interesting (and at times a little awkwardly uncomfortable - they weren't exactly the most culturally sensitive people in the world). And the author has a tendency to go off on extended tangents. But overall, an informative read. "

" This is a fascinating book. It had me at hello. Far from a dry history lesson the author really knows how to inform and entertain. "

" Fantastic historical narrative, and a great sailing novel to boot. Definitely more engrossing than anything Melville wrote, to say nothing of Richard Henry Dana. Read the first half on a sailboat, which is the way to read it if you have the chance. "

" I had no idea that Magellan had to deal with so much crap. "

" Interesting book---I learned much about Magellan and how the misconceptions of navigators during his time actually lead to the Age of Discovery. Would anyone have sailed had they known the Pacific Ocean existed??? "

" Facinating history. Much better than some fantasy books I have loved. "

" Great story about the first expedition to sail around the world. Several mutinies, intrigue by both the Spanish and Portuguese courts, and encounters with locals. Good read. "

" A very satisfying, informative read. I was riveted throughout the entire book. Highly recommended! "

" A captivating story, well written, and thorough historically speaking. "

" So far, I'm really enjoying Mr. Bergreen's Over the edge of the world. My metaphorical snapshots :A mini inquisition ship wreck upon the shores of South America.Reminds me of Napoleons Russian campaign . THe movie Castaway comes to mind. "

" I really enjoyed this books. It is written much like a historically accurate account with a little poetic license for readability. I must say this period of time did not interest me as much as say the 1800's but it kept my interest and I learned a lot. "

" Most thrilling non fiction book I have ever read. The fact that it IS non fiction makes it even more tantalizing. Highly recommend Laurence Bergreen. "

" I liked this book a lot. I had no idea of the adventures these people had. My Dad had pictures of Magellan's grave from the Philippines and WWII. Great story taken from diaries. "

" Read this book. But weak stomachs beware. Waterboarding will look like child's play compared to what these tales describe. Based on actual diary entries from the journey, you'll wonder how anyone survived. Many great lessons from history too. "

" Excellent story told from the notes of the members of the crews. Written by an excellent writer who avoided making it a boring travelog. "

" Wow! What a wild ride! I'm surprised this isn't a movie yet. Lots of drama and conflict and religion and sex. Cannabilism, giants and pygmies. Scurvy too! "