In the spring of 1553, three ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. The scale of their ambition was breathtaking. Drawing on the latest navigational science and the new spirit of enterprise and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches. The success of the expedition depended on its two leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a brave gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, a brilliant young scientist and practical man of the sea. When their ships became separated in a storm, each had to fend for himself. Their fates were sharply divided. One returned to England, to recount extraordinary tales of the imperial court of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The tragic, mysterious story of the other two ships has had to be pieced together through the surviving captain’s log book, after he and his crew became lost and trapped by the advancing Arctic winter. This exceptional endeavour was one of the boldest in British history, and its impact was profound. Although the “merchant adventurers” failed to reach China as they had hoped, their achievements would lay the foundations for England’s expansion on a global stage. As James Evans’ vivid account shows, their voyage also makes for a moving story of daring, discovery, tragedy, and adventure.
Review
“Evans gives a rich account of a lesser known voyage that had a profound impact on England's age of exploration. ... Balanced and stimulating, Evans has produced a work suited to history buffs and general-interest readers alike.” - Publishers Weekly
“A wonderful adventure story, especially for those in awe of men who dared to breach the wilderness 500 years ago.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Fans of travel narratives and light history reading will enjoy this work.” - Library Journal
About the Author
James Evans completed his PhD at Oxford following a first-class Masters in Historical research. He has worked as a producer on various BBC historical television documentaries, including Dan Cruickshank’s Hiden Houses ; Niall Ferguson’s Western Civilization ; Griff Rhys Jones’s Rivers ; and Michael Wood’s English Story , for which he also contributed to the accompanying book. He lives in London.
Description:
In the spring of 1553, three ships sailed north-east from London into uncharted waters. The scale of their ambition was breathtaking. Drawing on the latest navigational science and the new spirit of enterprise and discovery sweeping the Tudor capital, they sought a northern passage to Asia and its riches. The success of the expedition depended on its two leaders: Sir Hugh Willoughby, a brave gentleman soldier, and Richard Chancellor, a brilliant young scientist and practical man of the sea. When their ships became separated in a storm, each had to fend for himself. Their fates were sharply divided. One returned to England, to recount extraordinary tales of the imperial court of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The tragic, mysterious story of the other two ships has had to be pieced together through the surviving captain’s log book, after he and his crew became lost and trapped by the advancing Arctic winter. This exceptional endeavour was one of the boldest in British history, and its impact was profound. Although the “merchant adventurers” failed to reach China as they had hoped, their achievements would lay the foundations for England’s expansion on a global stage. As James Evans’ vivid account shows, their voyage also makes for a moving story of daring, discovery, tragedy, and adventure.
Review
“Evans gives a rich account of a lesser known voyage that had a profound impact on England's age of exploration. ... Balanced and stimulating, Evans has produced a work suited to history buffs and general-interest readers alike.”
- Publishers Weekly
“A wonderful adventure story, especially for those in awe of men who dared to breach the wilderness 500 years ago.”
- Kirkus Reviews
“Fans of travel narratives and light history reading will enjoy this work.”
- Library Journal
About the Author
James Evans completed his PhD at Oxford following a first-class Masters in Historical research. He has worked as a producer on various BBC historical television documentaries, including Dan Cruickshank’s Hiden Houses ; Niall Ferguson’s Western Civilization ; Griff Rhys Jones’s Rivers ; and Michael Wood’s English Story , for which he also contributed to the accompanying book. He lives in London.