The Lusiad or the discovery of India: An epic poem

“The Lusiad or The Discovery of India” by William Julius Mickle (1735–1788) is an epic poem that recounts the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama’s journey to India in the late 15th century. Based on the original Os Lusíadas by Luís de Camões, Mickle’s English translation highlights the exploration, challenges, and triumphs of the Portuguese in their maritime quest. The poem also touches upon themes of imperial ambition, colonialism, and the expanding European influence in Asia during the Age of Discovery.