Beginning with the fateful day in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan was speared to death on Mactan and Juan de Elcano took up the challenge of bringing his surviving companions home, this wonderfully colourful tale spans four centuries crammed with astonishing exploits by men and women of many nations. Going round the world is an idea that has excited people ever since it was realized that the earth was a sphere. Some names are still well-known today, others just as heroic are not. Some succeeded, many failed. They are linked by the challenge to girdle the earth and to penetrate its secrets. Derek Wilson brings these extraordinary characters alive in this fast-flowing, award-winning book.