Ferdinand Magellan

by Ronald Welch, William Stobbs (Illustrator)

"This seems an excellent introductory biography of Magellan, simple yet cognizant of the full play of motives that went into the venture around the world and written in a dignified manner that emulates adult historical work. In its coverage of both the fore-running and succeeding events to Magellan's career, the text begins with the conditions of his youth in Tras-os-Montes, Portugal, and his early appointment as a page to the Queen in Lisbon. There the speculations on what Magellan must have seen, heard and thought in the bustling city make a fine complement to the analysis of the international situation in 1510. With the spice trade on an all-important rise, Venice had a monopoly Portugal hoped to break. Magellan's first part in that accomplishment involved an exciting tour of duty in India and Malacca which earned him a promising reputation. But with his idea of approaching the spice area from the opposite direction, he returned to an unjustly deaf Portuguese king and was forced to offer his services to Spain. This is full-bodied, consequential reading and with the attention it pays to the details of the voyage, it should spark flagging interests." -Kirkus Reviews

Genres: History

178 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Ronald Welch is the pen name of Ronald Felton, author of twelve historical novels for children. After reading history at Cambridge, he taught at Bedford Modern School and then became headmaster of Okehampton Grammar School in Devon. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal forKnight Crusader in 1954 which is to be serialized in Story Time on BBC on 4th July, 1972. His interest in military history stems from his family background and his service in The Welch Regiment during the 1939–45 war.

Reviews

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ronald Welch is an amazing write of children's fiction which brings out historical accuracy brilliantly. Perhaps he doesn't achieve the same quite so well in non fiction format