A comprehensive survey of the lives, expeditions, and significant contributions of some 800 explorers from around the world, including the renowned (e.g. Roald Amundsen, Daniel Boone, Columbus, Magellan, and Marco Polo) and the lesser known but no less interesting (e.g. Edward Eyre, British sheep farmer who completed the first east-to-west crossing of Australia; and Freydis, Norse daughter of Eric the Red who led an expedition to Vinland). Includes some 120 bandw illustrations and period maps, 15 original maps, an appendix of explorers by region, and a bibliography. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Covers historic and contemporary explorations of the oceans and continents.

Provides twenty-two step-by-step projects to help readers learn about the explorers that discovered America and their voyages.

The Age of Exploration, which spanned roughly from 1400 to 1550, was the first time in history that European powers—eyeing new trade routes to the East or seeking to establish empires—began actively looking far past their own borders to gain a better understanding of the world and its many resources. The individuals who set out on behalf of the countries they represented came from a variety of backgrounds, and included master navigators such as Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan—the latter of whom was the first to circle the globe—as well as the often ruthless conquistadors of the New World such as Francisco Pizarro and Hernan Cortes. The exciting and sometimes tragic lives and journeys of these and many others as well as the battles for empire that arose are chronicled in this engaging volume.

Contains cross-referenced articles--arranged alphabetically from Antoine d'Abbadie to Longitude--on topics of land, space, and sea exploration and provides biographical profiles of notable explorers throughout history.

"The Book of Exploration is a chronological tour of the history of exploration by an expert in the field and prolific world traveller, from the pioneering excursions of the ancient Egyptians to the first surface-based crossings of the top and bottom of the world." "Before the turn of the nineteenth century, ventures into uncharted lands required material or spiritual reward to justify the perils of shipwreck, hostile natives, and dangers yet unknown. Until recent times, exploration for the sake of knowledge alone was rare; it was mostly undertaken by intrepid traders, gold. seekers, and valiant Christian missionaries. The Book of Exploration presents more than 150 of the most influential and unusual journeys of discovery, setting each firmly in its historical context. Roy Howgego introduces heroic adventurers battling the elements and committing their findings to journals and maps, pioneers who risked everything in search of fabled riches, and explorers determined to conquer the deserts, poles, and oceans of the globe." "Organized chronologically, beautifully illustrated with contemporary maps, paintings, journal entries, and other artifacts, The Book of Exploration is a feast for the eye and an unparalleled resource." --Book Jacket.

Land ho! Discover what the Age of Exploration was all about in this wonderful addition to the bestselling Who HQ series! Before the fifteenth century, European sailors were unsure what waited for them beyond their well-known travel routes around the Mediterranean Sea, so they kept within sight of land. But all of that changed after Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal started sending ships down the coast in the hope of finding a sea route to India and Africa. This was the beginning of a giant leap toward understanding what the globe actually looked like. Certain European nations grew rich and powerful from the New World gold and lands they claimed, while advanced, long-standing civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas were destroyed in the cruelest of ways. This book also features the fun black-and-white illustrations and engaging 16-page photo insert that readers have come love about the What Was? series!