The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation — Volume 06 Madiera, the Canaries, Ancient Asia, Africa, etc.

A remarkable compilation of early English exploration, this volume gathers the first‑hand accounts of voyages that stretched from the Mediterranean gateway of Gibraltar to the far‑flung coasts of Africa, Asia and the Atlantic islands. Readers will travel alongside traders, missionaries and adventurers as they describe bustling ports such as Alexandria, Goa, and the Canary Islands, and trace routes along the Euphrates, the Ganges and the southern seas of the Indian Ocean. The text preserves the original 16th‑century spelling, while the editor expands archaic abbreviations and supplies modern footnotes that clarify obscure references without altering the historic voice.

The edition also includes Hakluyt’s own marginal notes, offering contemporary insights into the geography and customs encountered by these early travelers. Rich in detail and peppered with vivid observations of peoples, goods and dangers, the work provides a vivid snapshot of the English nation’s expanding horizons at the turn of the modern era, making it an essential listen for anyone curious about the roots of global trade and discovery.