An impeccably researched, heavily detailed, engaging book, STRAITS examines the legends , myths and reputation of Ferdinand Magellan in polished discussion . His main voyage can be regarded as a disastrous failure – or was it? and he is still regarded with great renown. How can he be viewed today?
The book itself is divided into ten chapters, with a preface, notes and index, maps and illustrations.
Although very little exists in Magellan’s own words, we learn a lot about his character through other people’s reports.
For some, Magellan is renowned as a noble heroic adventurer, an exemplar of gallantry and courage who circumnavigated the globe. Or did he? FERNANDEZ-ARMESTO shows how Magellan during his life was regarded as ruthless and a traitor, vilified as a tyrant, treated as a failure and driven to devastation. And sorry readers no he did not circumnavigate the globe. His name lives on in statues , street names , investment funds , two satellite galaxies and even the train that American presidents used.
STRAITS extensively examines the power and politics behind Magellan’s voyage , departing with five ships ,and how it was in some ways doomed before it even began. We learn of the provisioning , fire power etc and learn many nautical terms. STRAITS draws on many sources , both pro and con Magellan , not just that of Magellan’s companion Antonio Pigafetta,in an attempt to discover what really happened . Readers are also informed about the problems at the time with the maps available which didn’t really help much, and how in some ways Magellan expanded the science of cartography .There is also much mention of the obstacles at the time of determining latitude and longitude.
FERNANDEZ-ARMESTO discusses Magellan’s character – how he (perhaps) became paranoid , his development of egotism , malice , attachment to ingrained ideas of chivalry , his secretiveness and the overblown piety . He refused to share daily updates with the other captains of his ships . The mutinies are mentioned as are the great arguments regarding provisions and ill health of the crews. We learn how the Straits got their name.
We also learn of the various interactions with natives and other people , how Magellan turned preacher … He was also extremely brutal and ruthless at times, hanging some crew members and marooning others. Was he power mad or was he seeking gold or?
FERNANDEZ-ARMESTO attempts to trace the reality surrounding Magellan’s death , and the fate of the crew of the various ships – and how only one survived to return home .The conflicts of his legacy still remain.
https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/straits-9781526650429/
Published 29 Mar 2022
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 384
ISBN 9781526632074
Imprint Bloomsbury Publishing
Dimensions 234 x 153 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing