Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published) Media: Paperback Number Of Items: 1 Pages: 448 Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.4 Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 7.2 x 0.9
Journey of Discovery April 28, 2008 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Felipe's Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration is a tremendous piece of writing, covering a vast topic in an eminently readable style. Whilst not claiming to be a sacrosanct text, Felipe presents some of the most commonly accepted explanations about aspects of this huge topic in a very pragmatic and reasonable way. Amongst the many topics covered are the following:
* A brief history of early human development and the dispersion of people around the globe * How the natural environment around the Indian Ocean enabled a flourishing, ocean going trade system to develop many, many centuries ago * Insights into how trade, romanticism and empire building inspired various European countries to start explorations around the globe * How a desire to reach the Indo-Chinese trade routes led to the `discovery' of America: which was for a long time only seen as a barrier to the original goal * A look at what is now left for the pathfinders of today and tomorrow
I started reading this book knowing that I knew very little of the history about how humanity had developed in different parts of the world, I have also found that my knowledge of the worlds geography was also limited and, as such, spent a lot of time referencing a small globe whilst reading. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history or humanity or, as myself, the origins of world trade and commerce.
wise and wonderful September 29, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Fernandez Armesto has breathtaking ambition and scope. His history combines a fine sense for what makes a great yarn with sure-footed scholarship. He tells it with a flourish, and what an epic collection of tales he has to tell. This is what history should be, great entertainment, a welter of fasincating detail, and a grand perspective. -Mick.
Great history writing July 9, 2007 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
One cannot praise enough this book for its clarity and profoundity, when the author unravels the paths pursued by humanity in exploring the world and other cultures.Armesto's fine intuitions and great storitelling make this book a true masterpiece.
The route-finders November 9, 2006 12 out of 19 found this review helpful
Finally we have received a book about exploration which on the contrary to Allen's book `Faber book of Exploration' gives wide and not only English perspective on the subject. And this is the greatest value of this volume in addition to truly spectacular review of human endurance in exploration. For Fernandez-Armesto, on the contrary to Allen, the world exploration is a continuous process, which is not only related to mare conquering lands and seas but mainly to human progress from the dark past to present time. Remarkable work showing from the first chapter to the last one how we came to global vision and one would say destruction by globalization. ( Chapter 9).
