description The Brendan Voyage Overview
The Brendan Voyage is Tim Severin's account of an experimental voyage intended to test whether the legendary journey of the Irish monk Saint Brendan could have reached North America. Severin and his crew crossed the North Atlantic in a traditional-style leather curragh, sailing by way of the Hebrides, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland before reaching Newfoundland. The book combines maritime adventure with practical historical inquiry into early navigation, boatbuilding, weather, and survival at sea.
help The Brendan Voyage FAQ
What is The Brendan Voyage about?
The Brendan Voyage is Tim Severin's 1978 narrative detailing his transatlantic voyage in a leather curragh. He undertook this journey to recreate the legendary sixth-century voyage of the Irish monk Saint Brendan.
What kind of boat was used in The Brendan Voyage?
Tim Severin and his crew built a 36-foot traditional boat called a curragh. It was constructed entirely out of an ash wood frame and covered in ox hides, mirroring the boats used by early Irish monks.
Did Tim Severin make it to North America in The Brendan Voyage?
Yes, Severin and his crew successfully sailed from Ireland to North America, landing in Newfoundland. This proved that Saint Brendan's legendary journey to the Promised Land was technically possible using ancient technology.
When was The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin published?
The book was published in 1978 following the completion of the expedition. It quickly became a bestseller and established Tim Severin's reputation as an experimental historian and explorer.
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