Great Ages of Discovery: How Western Civilization Learned About a Wider World

Western civilization has relied on exploration for over 600 years, with three great ages of discovery ranging from the early 15th to the early 20th century. The first age of discovery ranged from the early 15th to the early 18th century, the second age launched in the latter half of the 18th century, and the third age began after World War II. Each age had a galvanic rivalry, with Spain and Portugal in the first age, Britain and France-followed by others-in the second, and the USSR and USA in the third.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: University of Arizona Press

Western civilization has been exploring the world and universe for over 600 years, and the Great Ages of Discovery provides a comprehensive overview of these explorations. The book is divided into three great ages of discovery, each characterized by its unique locations, intellectual contexts, moral conflicts, and grand gestures. The first age of discovery, which spanned from the early 15th to the early 18th century, was marked by the circumnavigation of the world ocean and was aligned with the Renaissance. The second age, which began in the latter half of the 18th century and lasted until the early 20th century, was characterized by the Enlightenment and the crossing of a continent. The third age, which began after World War II, focused on the deep oceans and interplanetary space and was marked by Voyager's passage across the solar system. Each age had a galvanic rivalry, with Spain and Portugal in the first age, Britain and France in the second, and the USSR and USA in the third. Pyne's book is an interpretive companion to the quest narrative of Western civilization, capturing the triumphs and tragedies of these explorations and their lasting legacies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780816541119