The Story of Geographical Discovery: How the World Became Known

"The Story of Geographical Discovery: How the World Became Known" by Joseph Jacobs is a historical account written in the late 19th century that delves into the history of global exploration. The book elucidates how geographical knowledge was accrued over time through significant explorations and voyages, focusing particularly on the motivations behind these discoveries, such as trade and conquest. Jacobs structures the narrative to illustrate the progression from ancient understanding to modern exploration, effectively bridging the gaps between various historical epochs. The opening of the text establishes the foundational themes and structure of the work. Jacobs introduces the complexity of geographical knowledge's evolution, stressing that the awareness of the world's expanse developed gradually from ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean. He highlights the implications of key voyages, particularly driven by the spice trade and exploration for resources, explaining how figures like Columbus and Vasco da Gama were motivated by both curiosity and commercial interests. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of influential explorers, the geographical concepts of ancient cultures, and the broader implications of our understanding of the world as influenced by historical discoveries. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Joseph Jacobs was a New South Welsh-born British-Jewish folklorist, translator, literary critic, social scientist, historian and writer of English literature who became a notable collector and publisher of English folklore.