Having suffered an horrific judicial mutilation in Goa (1512) under Afonso de Albuquerque for treason and apostasy, Fernão Lopes spent his first decade on the island not speaking with anyone. Living alone, in a cave, he hid himself, relating only to Mother Nature and a pet rooster. As an enigma to the fleets, his fame spread. Betrayed to a captain by a runaway slave, he was finally persuaded to take passage to Lisbon to meet the King, despite a great fear of not being able to return. He thence went to Rome, for public absolution by Pope Clement VII (Easter 1530). The Pope supported his fervent wish to return to St Helena, which was also stocked with livestock, fruit and vegetables. He died on the island.

Included is the full English translation of the main account of Fernão Lopes by Gaspar Correa. An historical background is followed by Tristão da Cunha’s voyage (1506-08), topical given the Quincentenary of the discovery of Tristan da Cunha. Albuquerque’s capture of Goa (1510) and the Muslim siege of Benastarim are covered largely from translated material from Portuguese chronicles. The final chapter highlights the devastating effect on St Helena of the introduced animals, and current conservation issues. In the Appendices are a discussion of Robinson Crusoe, detailed Portuguese year by year fleet listings and a list of works consulted.