He learned Portuguese, Latin and Spain's official language, Castilian, so that he could read geography books and try and map the world.

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It is the oldest scientific institution in the country, and its library holds around 200, 000 books, some extremely rare, about history, geography, technology and science.

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Teach them geography by giving them age-appropriate atlases and travel books for the journey, and hang a large map on their bedroom wall where they can pinpoint their travels, suggests Jennifer Emmett, editorial director of National Geographic Society's children's books department.

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He bought thousands of books including works on music, mathematics, astronomy, history, geography, magic, theology and philosophy.

ECONOMIST: Spanish empire