You may also be interested in Batavia's Graveyard. Fascinating & gruesome account of a Dutch ship's voyage to Java. The descriptions of the personalities and motivations of those willing to undertake such a risky voyage, were in many cases like a gamblers last throw of the dice.

Very well researched, about 1/3 of the book is references/footnotes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609807161