A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels — Volume 02: Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time

A historical account likely written in the early 19th century. This volume serves as a comprehensive collection documenting the origins and advancements in navigation, discovery, and commerce by sea and land, covering various voyages undertaken from antiquity to more recent times. It specifically focuses on accounts of pilgrimages, discoveries, and conquests, particularly emphasizing the explorations related to the Holy Land, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. At the start of the volume, the text lays a foundational framework by chronicling early pilgrimages from England to the Holy Land, particularly between 1097 and 1107. It recounts the journey of significant figures, such as Gutuere, a noble lady whose illness forced the Christian army to camp, and Edgar Aethling, who ventured to Jerusalem during a siege. The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader historical accounts, detailing military engagements, the hardships faced by pilgrims, and their eventual return to England. This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of maritime discoveries, with subsequent chapters promising further insights into notable explorations led by figures such as Don Henry of Portugal and the discovery of various islands.