{"title":"Michael Preston","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our \u003cem\u003eMichael Preston\u003c\/em\u003e collection, where history and storytelling intertwine to create engaging narratives that captivate readers interested in Biography and Memoir genres. Michael Preston, a seasoned writer and researcher, is celebrated for his ability to bring historical figures to life through meticulous research and compelling narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is the acclaimed \u003cstrong\u003eA Pirate Of Exquisite Mind\u003c\/strong\u003e, which takes readers on a fascinating journey into the adventurous life of a remarkable individual. This book beautifully captures the essence of exploration and the human spirit’s desire for discovery, making it a must-read for those passionate about history and adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePreston's writings are characterised by detailed depictions that not only inform but also engage, providing readers with a vivid connection to the past. His ability to weave factual accuracy with narrative flair ensures that his works resonate with avid readers seeking both knowledge and entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Michael Preston's books to embark on a captivating journey through some of the most intriguing lives in history, and discover why his works remain a treasured addition to any literary collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-pirate-of-exquisite-mind-by-diana-preston-9780552772105","title":"A Pirate Of Exquisite Mind","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rip-roaring swashbuckler about a forgotten 17th century English hero who, starting as a poor, piratical buccaneer, became a famed round-the-world explorer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWilliam Dampier\u003c\/i\u003e (1651-1715), was an English adventurer and pirate who preyed on ships on the Spanish Main. Poor and ill-educated and determined to make his fortune, he nonetheless had a passion for exploration and scientific research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDampier was the first to map the winds and currents of the world's oceans; led the first recorded party of Englishmen to set foot on Australia—80 years before Cook; wrote about Galapagos wildlife 150 years before Darwin, who drew on Dampier's notes in his own work. He was the first travel writer— \u003ci\u003eA New Voyage Around the World\u003c\/i\u003e was an instant bestseller when it was published in 1697—and is said to have influenced the novels of Swift and Defoe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA man full of contradictions, this adventurer who achieved so much 'blew it' later in life, declining into scandal, failure and even farce. A unique man ahead of his time, he lived a large part of his life among pirates yet managed to preserve what Coleridge called his \"exquisite refinement of mind.\" \u003ci\u003eA Pirate Of Exquisite Mind\u003c\/i\u003e is a classic example of the best narrative history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46369950859500,"sku":"9780552772105","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/21997693482384.jpg?v=1744800481"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/michael-preston.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}