Bellec, François, Océan des Hommes. Paris: Ouest France, 1987. ISBN 2-7373-0040-1. 23x17cm., 237pp., illustrated, hard cover. (Musée de la Marine, Palais de Chaillot, 17, Place de Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris)

This book is a good introductory overview of early European exploration and trade.  Included are chapters about the ancient Mediterranean, Venice, the circumnavigation of Africa, the discovery of America, the slave trade, and a number of other topics.  Most of the maps illustrated are from Bellin's Petit Atlas Maritime, but some early portolans are illustrated in color.  The book gives a good overview of European man's relationship with the sea.

David C. Jolly, 1989