The Voyage That Changed the World: The Epic Story of the First Crew to Sail Around the Globe

About this book

In the 15th century, much of the Earth was still unchartered and unmapped by Europeans. Spices – specifically cloves, but also nutmeg and mace – grew on just five small islands, the Moluccas (now part of Indonesia), in the Pacific Ocean. 

For thousands of years, Chinese, Greek, Roman, Malay, and other merchants had traded spices along routes covering half the globe. But in Europe, as the craze for spices grew, and the value of cloves, nutmeg, and mace rose to dizzying heights, Europeans decided to travel to the Spice Islands themselves. 

In this stunningly illustrated book, Thekla Priebst tells the detailed and fascinating story of the Spanish voyage to the Moluccas via a western sea route, led by the famous sea captain and explorer Magellan. 

It’s a perilous mission which takes Magellan and his five ships through inhospitable climates, shipwreck, and hunger. It’s also a journey that sees Magellan abduct indigenous people, as well as deceive and disrespect them. 

Showing readers how early colonisation happened through trade and exploration, Priebst presents a clear record of the spice trade and its toll on many communities, as well as Magellan’s difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. The stunning watercolour visuals tell a story as well as representing the richness of the natural world. 

The text level and concepts described in the book are on the more senior side, even though there’s a glossary at the back of the book, so this is recommended for the upper end of primary school.