Henry “The Navigator” Who Followed His Stars

• Published in: Foundations of the Portuguese Empire, 1415-1580 Vol. 1; p. 113
• Main Authors: Diffie, Bailey W, Winius, George D
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United States University of Minnesota Press 16.12.1977
• Edition: NED - New edition
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Astronomy; Caravels; Cartography; Celestial navigation; Compasses; Earth sciences; Economic disciplines; Economics; Employment; Engineering; Flight crews; Flight navigators; Geodesy; Geography; Labor economics; Mariners; Navigation; Navigation instruments; Navigational aids; Occupations; Ocean navigation; Physical sciences; REFERENCE, INFORMATION AND INTERDISCIPLINARY SUBJECTS; Sailing vessels; Ships; Technical personnel; Transport workers; Transportation; Transportation engineering; Vehicles; Watercraft
• ISBN: 0816607826; 9780816607822

So great were the accomplishments of Portugal between 1415 and 1460 that some historians have sought to reconstruct the period in a rational way and ascribe it all to a plan. So great was the contribution of Henry that many have given to him sole credit for Portuguese expansion and called him “The Navigator.” He has become an untouchable, almost a sainted figure not to be criticized. Yet the facts seem to be that Portugal’s expansion was no more the result of a “plan” than was the national expansion of other nations and that Henry was the most important but