Before Columbus, before Vespucci, before Drake, there was Henry the Navigator.

Pirate hunter, intrepid explorer, ship designer, and much more, Henry was one of the great innovators in the age of discovery.

Born in 1394, he was the third son of King John I and Queen Philippa. Following his mother's death, Prince Henry along with his older brothers, Edward and Peter, and their father, set out to conquer Ceuta.

However, King John I and Edward were too grief-stricken to embark upon the expedition. Twenty-one year old Henry was unmoveable. After convincing his father and brother that they should follow their mother's wishes and set sail, the journey commenced.

Ceuta was successfully attacked and captured. Rendering the pirate haven a useless trading post. However, Ceuta's capture enable this to become the first European base to be established in Africa.

A period followed where occupation and colonization of the island began. This was the beginning of the discovery of Africa …

The scope of Henry's contribution to our world is often overshadowed by other figures. But Bradford brings the gripping tale of this pioneer to light, putting into perspective the work of Henry the Navigator.

In his lifetime, Henry helped break the sea barriers that separate the continents. Rising above scorn and ridicule, he initiated an era of audacious exploration to lands most didn't believe existed. His courage and forward thinking would forever change the course of history.

Ernie Bradford was born in 1921. He joined the Navy on his eighteenth birthday and served in the Mediterranean fleet, and later on Arctic convoys. He was a dedicated writer and sailor, an international authority on antique jewelery, and the author of many books on this subject, and on Mediterranean history. He was also the author of several accomplished biographies. He died in 1986.

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