Even as a young page to the Queen of Portugal, Ferdinand Magellan longed to explore new lands. When he heard of Columbus's voyage, he could hardly wait for the change to go to sea.

His chance came at last. He was sent to Africa, then to India and the far-off spice lands. He found action, adventure and danger wherever he went. Magellan fought bravely in many battles. "Someday," his cousin warned him, "you will be killed trying to help someone else."

New lands only made Magellan restless to explore further. Finally he embarked on the great voyage he'd always dreamed of, the search for a passage through the New World. He hoped to be the first man to circle the globe. Storms, mutiny, starvation—these lay ahead to test him. But, as the King of Spain said to Magellan, "You look like a man who would not turn back."

Lynn Groh has captured the excitement and dedication of Magellan's life in this biography of one of the greatest world explorers.

From the dust jacket