The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 33, 1519-1522

This volume opens a vivid window onto the age of discovery, presenting Antonio Pigafetta’s first‑hand account of Ferdinand Magellan’s historic circumnavigation. Listeners will hear the excitement of a young explorer who, after hearing news of the expedition in Barcelona, secures a place on the fleet and sets sail from Seville in August 1519. The narrative is enriched by meticulous annotations and side‑by‑side Italian and English texts, preserving the original manuscript’s quirks while making it accessible to modern ears.

Beyond the lively storytelling, the book weaves in a treasure trove of period maps and charts—depictions of the Straits of Magellan, the Philippine archipelago, and the distant islands encountered along the way. These visual aids are described in detail, helping listeners picture the uncharted seas, the storms, and the calm that guided the five‑ship fleet toward the unknown. The result is an immersive, scholarly yet readable portrait of early 16th‑century seafaring and the peoples and lands first glimpsed by European eyes.