Discovery The Age of Exploration: Tales of Adventure and Discovery from the High Seas

"A treasure of a book."—David McCullough The harrowing story of a pathbreaking naval expedition that set out to map the entire Pacific Ocean, dwarfing Lewis and Clark with its discoveries, from the New York Times bestselling author of Valiant Ambition and In the Hurricane's Eye. A New York Times Notable Book America's first frontier was not the West; it was the sea, and no one writes more eloquently about that watery wilderness than Nathaniel Philbrick. In his bestselling In the Heart of the Sea Philbrick probed the nightmarish dangers of the vast Pacific. Now, in an epic sea adventure, he writes about one of the most ambitious voyages of discovery the Western world has ever seen—the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842. On a scale that dwarfed the journey of Lewis and Clark, six magnificent sailing vessels and a crew of hundreds set out to map the entire Pacific Ocean and ended up naming the newly discovered continent of Antarctica, collecting what would become the basis of the Smithsonian Institution. Combining spellbinding human drama and meticulous research, Philbrick reconstructs the dark saga of the voyage to show why, instead of being celebrated and revered as that of Lewis and Clark, it has—until now—been relegated to a footnote in the national memory. Winner of the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize

An NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People Christopher Columbus is one of the most famous people in world history, yet few know the full story of the amazing, resourceful, and tragic Italian explorer. Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids portrays the "Admiral of the Ocean Seas" neither as hero nor heel but as a flawed and complex man whose significance is undeniably monumental. Kids will gain a fuller picture of the seafarer's life, his impact, and the dangers and thrills of exploration as they learn about all four of Columbus's voyages to the New World, not just his first, as well as the year that Columbus spent stranded on the island of Jamaica without hope of rescue. Students, parents, and teachers will appreciate the in-depth discussions of the indigenous peoples of the New World and of the consequences of Columbus's voyages—the exchange of diseases, ideas, crops, and populations between the New World and the Old. Fun hands-on activities illuminate both the nautical concepts introduced and the times in which Columbus lived. Kids can: Tie nautical knots Conduct a blanket (silent) trade Make a compass Simulate a hurricane Take nautical measurements And much more

PIRATE NOVELS: 50+ Adventure Classics, Treasure Hunt Tales & Maritime Novels is an unprecedented collection that embodies the spirit of adventure, the quest for treasure, and the high seas' daring escapades. This anthology brings together a diverse range of literary styles, from the swashbuckling tales of yore to the introspective journey narratives, showcasing the development of pirate literature through centuries. Distinct for its comprehensive inclusion of works that have shaped and defined the genre, the collection navigates through the tempests of human ambition, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Amongst these pages, readers will find stories that have not only captivated audiences for generations but have also been instrumental in the evolution of adventure storytelling, contributing significantly to the literary canon. The contributing authors, including canonical figures like Jules Verne, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Edgar Allan Poe, alongside others like Rafael Sabatini and Frederick Marryat, represent a wide spectrum of literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, each contributing their unique voice to the chorus of adventure literature. Their collective works, steeped in historical, cultural, and literary significance, offer a multifaceted view of piracy's allure and its impact on literature. The stories bridge the gap between fictional amusement and the exploration of human nature and societal challenges, making this collection an essential exploration of the genre. PIRATE NOVELS: 50+ Adventure Classics, Treasure Hunt Tales & Maritime Novels is an invitation to an unparalleled journey across the high seas. It offers readers the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the adventurous world of pirates through the eyes of some of literature's greatest authors. This anthology stands as a significant educational resource, bridging historical contexts and literary artistry, making it an indispensable addition to the libraries of both academic scholars and casual readers alike. Delving into this rich compilation allows for an appreciation of the depth and breadth of maritime narratives, engaging with themes of adventure, morality, and the human spirit's indomitable quest for freedom.

“High adventure with magical spells and tall sailing ships makes for a rollicking, fun read from the author of the award-winning Indigo Springs.” —Library Journal One minute, twenty-four-year-old Sophie Hansa is in a San Francisco alley trying to save the life of the aunt she has never known. The next, she finds herself flung into the warm and salty waters of an unfamiliar world. Glowing moths fall to the waves around her, and the sleek bodies of unseen fish glide against her submerged ankles. The world is Stormwrack, a series of island nations with a variety of cultures and economies—and a language different from any Sophie has heard. Sophie doesn’t know it yet, but she has just stepped into the middle of a political firestorm, and a conspiracy that could destroy a world she has just discovered . . . her world, where everyone seems to know who she is, and where she is forbidden to stay. But Sophie is stubborn, and smart, and refuses to be cast adrift by people who don’t know her and yet wish her gone. With the help of a sister she has never known, and a ship captain who would rather she had never arrived, she must navigate the shoals of the highly charged politics of Stormwrack, and win the right to decide for herself whether she stays in this wondrous world . . . or is doomed to exile. “Something refreshing in the way of fantasy.” —S.M. Stirling, New York Times–bestselling author