Books › Around the world in a hundred years
Around the world in a hundred years
from Henry the Navigator to Magellan
First published 1994 · 128 pages
A lively, conversational voyage through history that turns dusty explorers into quirky, ambitious humans.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a witty, incredibly knowledgeable history teacher who knows exactly how to keep you hooked. The pace is brisk and breezy, charting a course through a century of grand ambitions, foolish mistakes, and world-altering discoveries without ever getting bogged down in dry dates. Instead, the narrative thrives on a wry, conversational tone that humanizes larger-than-life explorers, highlighting their quirks, fears, and sheer audacity. The mood is persistently curious and adventurous, inviting readers to experience the thrill of a rapidly expanding map. It is a perfect fit for middle-grade readers who crave true stories of adventure and anyone who loves history when it is told as a vibrant, character-driven tale.
- Mood
- adventurous
- curious
- lively
- Tone
- wry
- conversational
- engaging
- informative
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- the thrill of discovery · human ambition and folly · shifting worldviews · courage to face the unknown
- The writing
- Conversational and witty, peppered with fascinating, humanizing trivia that brings dusty historical figures to life.
- The arc
- Begins with a sense of curious anticipation and expands into a sweeping appreciation for human ambition and a broader worldview.
- Who it's for
- Curious middle-grade readers who prefer their history served with a side of humor, quirky facts, and grand adventure.
Content notes
- colonialism
- historical prejudice
- maritime peril
About the book
Examines the great wave of European exploration during the fifteenth century which resulted in more accurate maps.
Description from Open Library.
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