Merchant Adventurers: The Voyage of Discovery That Transformed Tudor England by James Evans soon to be presented for sale on the astounding BookLovers of Bath web site!
Published: London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2103, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Colour Photographs; Maps [1];
From the cover: In the spring of 1553 three ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. The scale of their ambition was breathtaking. Drawing on the latest navigational science and the new spirit of enterprise and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches.
The success of the expedition depended on its two leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a brave gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, a brilliant young scientist and practical man of the sea. When their ships became separated in a storm, each had to fend for himself. Their fates were sharply divided. One returned to England, to recount extraordinary tales of the imperial court of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The tragic, mysterious story of the other two ships has to be pieced together through the surviving captains log book, after he and his crew became lost and trapped by the advancing Arctic winter.
This long neglected endeavour was one of the boldest in British history, and its impact was profound. Although the merchant adventurers failed to reach China as they had hoped, their achievements would lay the foundations for Englands expansion on a global stage. As James Evans vivid account shows, their voyage also makes for a gripping story of daring, discovery, tragedy and adventure.
Very Good+ in Very Good+ Dust Wrapper.
Blue boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. [IX] 383 pages. Index. Bibliography. 9½” x 6¼”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one, may I tempt you with something from hither or maybe further, hand picked, books in my Exploration catalogue?
BookLovers of Bath 