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Unknown Seas: How Vasco Da Gama Opened the East

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Unknown Seas: How Vasco Da Gama Opened the East

By: Ronald Watkins
Narrated by: Robert Anthony Deyes
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About this listen

In the 15th century, the world beyond Europe began to emerge from myth and legend, and it was the Portuguese who led the way. They founded an empire that stretched from China to Brazil, and the peak of their achievement was Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India. Still today, landmarks, coastlines and currents around the world bear Portuguese names, and the oceans of the world are one vast watery grave for Portuguese seamen. For those who sailed beyond the known world life was harsh beyond measure. Yet the discoverers were not lured only by gold, precious stones and spices -- they were driven to colonise, to enslave, to bring their religion to the unconverted. Reconstructing journeys from contemporary logs and papers, this absorbing and wonderfully vivid account brings to life the captains driving their small ships, the ordinary seamen and the far-off, not always friendly traders they met.

©2003 Ronald J. Watkins (P)2014 Ronald J. Watkins World Portugal Unknown Seas
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Perfect example of history writing for non-scholars. The book told a story without going too far with insignificant details, but providing a lot of interesting facts that built a coherent story. Introduction explained the background of why Portuguese strived to discover new sea routes, and epilogue balanced their achievements. This all made it a fantastic book! The only issue with this recording was that its volume was lower than other recordings, I had to listen to it on full volume while commuting.

I wish every history book was written like this!

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Great narration and a fully in depth description not only about the trials and tribulations Vasco and his crew had to endure but also a very interesting account of Phillip the Navigator and his contribution to sea faring adventure.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this great story.

Vasco an Indian Odyssey

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I am a native English speaker as is the voice actor. But I found his tone condescending and the unusual slurring of the ends of words jarring and impossible to listen to.

I found myself concentrating on how the performer was speaking rather than enjoying the tale he was telling.

I don't expect all my books to be "Received Pronunciation" but the voice actor has to speak English or American using the usual pronunciations of those countries and in a way that doesn't detract. Most other performers are, in fact, able to do this..

Unlistenable due to performer

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