Book Description
In 1493 Christopher Columbus led a fleet of seventeen ships and more than twelve hundred men to found a royal trading colony in America. Columbus had high hopes for his settlement, which he named La Isabela after the queen of Spain, but just five years later it was in ruins. It remains important, however, as the first site of European settlement in America and the first place of sustained interaction between Europeans and the indigenous Taínos. Kathleen Deagan and José María Cruxent now tell the story of this historic enterprise. Drawing on their ten-year archaeological investigation of the site of La Isabela, along with research into Columbus-era documents, they contrast Spanish expectations of America with the actual events and living conditions at America's first European town. Deagan and Cruxent argue that La Isabela failed not because Columbus was a poor planner but because his vision of America was grounded in European experience and could not be sustained in the face of the realities of American life. Explaining that the original Spanish economic and social frameworks for colonization had to be altered in America in response to the American landscape and the non-elite Spanish and Taíno people who occupied it, they shed light on larger questions of American colonialism and the development of Euro-American cultural identity
Customer Reviews:
A Tremendous Example of Historical Research.......2004-05-18
I read it in three days.
A must have book for anyone interested in the Conquista and early colonization of the Caribbean and America in General. I also believe that anyone interested in the life and deeds of Christopher Columbus should read this work.
The authors' combination of archaeological excavation with documentary research is excellent and should serve as an example for future research projects. Furthermore, some of the discoveries they made will be quite unexpected and surprising for the general public, and even for those familiar with their work.
Despite the fact that both Deagan and Cruxent are highly regarded experts in Caribbean archaeology, they have written a book that can be enjoyed by the general public.
Average customer rating:
- How Times Have Changed For Cristobal Colon
- Excellent work
- "Adelante! Adelante!" (Land! Land!)
- Genuinely worthy of five stars
- A colorful narrative, rich in detail.
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Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus
Samuel Eliot Morison
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
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ASIN: 0316584789 |
Book Description
Telling the story of the greatest sailor of them all, "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" is a vivid and definitive biography of Columbus that details all of his voyages that, for better or worse, changed the world. 50 drawings, maps charts; 4 fold-outs.
Customer Reviews:
How Times Have Changed For Cristobal Colon.......2007-10-11
Morison wrote this fine book in honor of the 450'th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America. I think Morison would be surprised at how people's perceptions of the event have changed in the decades since.
First off, let me say that the book is well worth reading. Morison was a man of the sea himself and he sailed in the same waters as Columbus. We see in the book how Columbus was a master seaman as well as being a great salesman, but on the other hand he was a poor geographer and even worse politician. The Portuguese were right in turning down his proposal for the Enterprise of the Indies, their geographers knew that Columbus was way off the mark regarding the distance from Europe to East Asia. In any event, they were making good progress down Africa and they felt it was just a matter of time until they found the bottom of the continent and the entrance to the Indian Ocean.
I would now like to address the change in fortune for Columbus's reputation.
(1) People now like to say that he didn't "discover" America. One reason is because there were already people (the American Indians) there, but that is simply world-games. Of course he "discovered" it, no one in Europe or Asia knew about it, and the Indians didn't know about Europe or Asia either. Secondly, the fact that Columbus wasn't necessarily the first to cross the Atlantic doesn't change anything. The Vikings who reached North America simply viewed it as another Arctic land and had no idea of the geographical relationship of this new continent to the rest of the world. In any event, they didn't exploit their discovery in the long run, only Columbus's voyage led to that. It is also speculated that Portuguese fisherman were crossing the Atlantic before Columbus, after all, they discovered the Azores already in the 1420's (already one-third of the way across the Atlantic) but we don't know if they sighted the continent, and even if they did, they, like the Vikings didn't do anything to exploit their knowledge.
(2) People say that he is responsible for the destruction of the Indian society that existed on Hispaniola. It certainly wasn't his original intention to do this. He wanted to convert the natives to Christianity, so killing them off wouldn't help this mission. Morison himself points out that Columbus did contribute to this tragedy, but even if Columbus had been more careful, I think the Indians would have had the same fate. The settlers that came in the wake of the discovery brought new plants and animals in addition to previously unknown diseases and all these things would have grievously damaged the Indians agricultural system and society. Add to this the Spaniard's missionary religion which no doubt was attractive to at least some of the native population and we see that things could just not remain the same.
(3) Some people claim the pre-Columbian New World was some sort of paradise that the Europeans ruined. This is also knows as the myth of the "noble savage". Unfortunatley it is just a myth because human nature is the same all over the world. Greed, cruelty, avarice and the such are not just European or Western traits. The Carib tribes who inhabited the Caribbean Sea (and gave it its name) were very warlike and fought other, more peaceful tribes. Similarly, the Mexica (also knows as the Aztec) the Hernan Cortes conquered in the wake of Columbus was hated by its Indian neighbors for supressing them and taking prisoners for the human sacrificial system. Thus, we should be more realistic in evaluating the pre-Columbian societies and remove the "politically correct" rose-colored glasses.
(3) While it is true that slaves from Africa were brought over to Hispaniola, it must be remembered that the European slave traders who brought them over to the New World did not land in West Africa and grab natives "off the streets". They bought them from local African chiefs who captured prisoners in their local wars and then sold them to the Europeans. Thus, regarding the cruelty of the slavery system, there is plenty of blame to go around and not just to the white men involved.
All-in-all, this is a very enjoyable book to read about a man, who perhaps more than any other single person, brought about the most massive revolution in human history.
Excellent work.......2007-01-12
Morison's pulitzer prize winning work is an engaging, balanced, well written look at the life of the great explorer. The emphasis of the book is on Columbus, the mariner.(Morrison, a Harvard professor with a sailing background, actually retraced Columbus journeys in his own sailing craft). I was interested in finding a fair and objective historical biography of Columbus (without all the negative, politically correct, anti-European propoganda that permeates the thinking of modern leftist academics).In my opinion, this book provides it. I would highly recommend this work for students of history, who want to gain a better appreciation of the nature and significance of Columbus Voyages.
"Adelante! Adelante!" (Land! Land!).......2006-10-22
"Admiral of the Ocean Sea", Samuel Morison's 1942 Pulitzer Prize winning
biography of Christopher Columbus, is still considered by many to be the
best there is. Morison spent 2 years on a sailboat re-tracing Columbus' voyages bringing a first hand immediacy and perspective that gives it unusual authority on all technical aspects of sailing and navigation. In addition Morison was a Harvard history professor whose research of the written record is impeccable. Even before Columbus died in the early 16th century, there have been countless controversies and debates about many aspects of his life and voyages. Into this maelstrom of legend, myth and folklore - like the discover he writes about - Morison brings order, calm and reliable passage through one of the most fascinating and mythological figures of World History.
Genuinely worthy of five stars.......2005-07-25
I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while, and finally got around to reading it after watching a documentary on Columbus on the Discivery Channel. I got inspired to overcome my intellectual laziness, and how pleased I am I did! This book really deserves its reputation as a timeless classic, and the author, a giant of maritime history, did such a fine job that I now want to read his well known biography of John Paul Jones. The text is gripping and the author's insights abound. This is a fine book.
A colorful narrative, rich in detail........2005-02-22
This book is the definitive work on Columbus. Morison is famous for making the same journey that Columbus made with largely the same equipment in order to prepare for writing this book. His experience shines through in the detail thatMorison lavishes on his subject.
As is the case with any great biography, Morison has become enamored with his subject, highlighting his strengths and successes while downplaying his weaknesses and failures, but you know that going into any biography and can adjust your interpretation accordingly.
The story here is told very well, keeping the reader engaged and turning pages. Additionally, the book dispells many of the myths and common misconceptions about Columbus and really fills in a complete picure of the man.
Well worth reading for any fan of history or biography.
Customer Reviews:
clarke great historian.......2007-06-06
clarke knew his stuff.people can refute his claims but they hold merit
Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust.......2007-02-14
Professor John H. Clark has done a amazing analysis with providing the reader with a clear understanding on how the slave trade and genocides was instituted and systematized into what is now identified as capitalism on a gobal scale. This is a must read for anyone exploring the history of the African American history.
Is an "Afrikan" anything like an African?.......2006-03-03
Just another academic making money with half-truths that suit his prejudiced worldview. The deliberate spelling of "African" as "Afrikan" tells you all you need to know: it's the same as oh-so-worldly college sophomores who spell "America" as "Amerika" to prove they're politically aware after taking that popular "African-American/gay/La Raza/womyn's studies" course on how America is evil because it expects people to work for a living and holds them responsible for the results of their decisions.
Myth Crusher!!!.......2006-02-23
Dr. Clarke has again crushed myths of the Atlantic Slave Trade. The number one myth is "Afrikans are just as much to blame for selling slaves as Europeans". If ANYONE has ever said this to you and you didn't tell them that was a pile of buffalo poo poo, than you need this book! If you agreed with that statement you need this book. Dr. Clarke breaks down our ways back before the trade. And the BIG differences between European & Arab slavery to Afrikan slavery. TUA NTR Dr. Clarke!!! In which 99% of the people don't know how Afrikan slave system worked. And yes where are our memorials? And the true nature of the Atlantic Slave traders is exposed in detail. Also what did Afrikans do when they found out what was REALLY going on? That answer reveals our nature and how beautiful, strong and weak we are. This books hits EVERY corner about the Slave Trade. And crushes alot of myths. Again Dr. Clarke provide a slamming bibliography. That is a library listing by itself! Every child should read this book when starting to learn our history in America. And the strategies used by both sides. I could go on & on, this book is just everything about the subject in one book!
"Where's our Memorial".......2006-01-03
Dr. Clarke presents to us an interesting book that asks the question "Where's our Memorial?" The Jews, Irish and Asians remember what happened to them, but somewhere down the line, we forgot. As Dr. Clarke says this was the biggest crime in history. Europeans set in motion a type of slavery that was inhumane and savagelike.
Another misconception is that the Afrikans, and Natives Europeans encountered were brought "civilization." This couldn't be further from the truth because the European just denounced any culture they didn't understand. What is most interesting as well is 700 years earlier the European was enslaved and brought out of the Dark Ages because of the Moors(Afrikans) and Arabs. The Moors introduced chess, public baths, water systems, 70 universities and brought literacy to the kings and queens of Europe. The same Afrikans they enslaved on the Gold Coast(read the book to understand why it is Gold Coast) had been the ones to birth their enlightenmet. Also Europe(who were the only ones) believed the world was flat in their ignorance. Afrikans already knew this wasn't true based on two voyages. One was with the king of Mali, and the other maybe in the time of Ramesees III. For more on this read They Came before Columbus.
Thank You Dr. Clarke
Customer Reviews:
No, the Third Voyage is the best!.......2006-03-16
This book contains primary sources ONLY. (How do I "rate" the letters of Christopher Columbus? :-) You can read about the life and times of an historical character by the very best historians for years, but until you read what that character actually wrote about his own experiences, you're groping in the dark. Nothing compares to getting it from the horse's mouth.
These letters, beautifully translated, free of anyone's opinions, are history's nuclear core. Any gut sense YOU get from these words may well be closer to the truth than what you've read by any scholar. Occasionally you might realize that your favorite historian didn't actually finish reading some of the letters they're basing an argument on! Then you are in a position of knowing more than he/she does.
I do wonder why Penguin doesn't fix the date of Columbus's death. The editor has him dying in 1509 (not a typo since it's repeated) which is a shame. Columbus died 500 years ago this spring, and a quincentenary only happens once. It's "Goodbye, Columbus" May 20th, 2006.
FAVORITE VOYAGE: NO. 3, when he blesses the continent of South America with his tears (red with blood from exposure and illness) and warns the Monarchs that this is the Earthly Paradise and no one may enter without God's leave.
great description of Columbus voyages.......2005-11-02
This book is a great description of the events related to the exploration of the new world made by Columbus. The first two voyages are the most interesting because of the discovery of the caribbean island and the natives inhabitants living there, the arawaks and the caribs. The latter were very particular on account of its cannibalism.
In the third voyage, Columbus finally reach mainland and the fourth voyage was the toughest of all due to huge storms that lasted several days and the attacks of indian while there were repairing. At the end of the book there is an account made by Diego Mendez, a truly survivor and loyal servant of the Admiral who saved the lives of all of them while they were waiting in Jamaica, for a year.
I my opinion Columbus was a great navigator and a brave man. It is sad how the life of the Admiral ends and the poor retribution from the kings of Spain.
Columbus Resurrected.......2004-03-12
J. M. Cohen's translation of various 1st-hand or near first-hand accounts, including that of Columbus' son, Hernando Colon's LIFE OF THE ADMIRAL brings the Columbus story to life.
The Introduction, coming from a translator of literature rather than a historian, is rather uninspiring; however, he does provide a rather thorough rebuttal of the argument, made by many supporters of Bartolome de Las Casas and referred to without explanation by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto in COLUMBUS, that Hernando Colon's work is a forgery. Indeed, since it appeared long before Las Casas' HISTORY was published, the issue of forgery may go in the other direction!
The book, through early Spanish sources, looks at the rumor that Columbus relied on the map of an ailing Portuguese sailor. It makes plain Columbus' error in thinking he was near Japan (Chipangu) and his belief that he would reach Cathay! We see his rather innocent introduction to the potent tobacco plant and how the natives fed his belief that gold, pearl and spices were nearby.
Columbus is shown to be of mixed character: on the one hand, he generally seems to respect the natives he meets and makes an alliance with one chieftain against the 'cannibal' Caribs. On the other, he takes several natives captive (to have them trained in Spanish so that they can serve as translators on future voyages), gives some Carib women to his men (who raped them as in the case of the vile Michele de Cuneo) and discusses conquest and enslavement of idolators [not particularly shocking considering the long history of conflicts and mutual enslavement between the muslim moors of Spain & Northern Africa and the Christians of Spain & Portugal].
Columbus' biggest problem appears to be his tendency to leave his men (39 on the first voyage) as colonies while he explores elsewhere. Whenver he returns, the natives have either killed the colonists or were at war with them - often due to the Spaniards' greed and licentiousness. Indeed, at one point, he leaves his brother in charge and the Spaniards, being forbidden to sleep with the native women revolt and found a rebel colony where the women were supposed to be more accomodating! Columbus ultimately is forced into an accomodation with these Spaniards and eventually conquers the natives. We also see the separate voyage of Ovando to Hispaniola and the beginnings of the gold mines. Columbus, not unlike a number of his successors, suffered arrest and trial and, after his last voyage, was deprive of power and authority.
Columbus' voyages, following in the footsteps of the Henrican discoveries, would likely have eventually been made by someone but Columbus seems especially driven to exploration. It was an unfortunate fact that he was also a very poor (and often absent) governor. His actions, sometimes courageous and thoughtful, sometimes harsh and reflexive probably represent the more civilized men of his time - when the Middle Ages was just ending, slavery and religious wars continued in Spain, Portugal, North Africa and Italy, and people were still being burned at the stake for heresy.
Amazing. An in debt look at Columbus and hislifeBuDdaHlOvAh.......1998-10-29
This book was excellent. It taught me so much more about Columbus and his journey's. Being a school teacher, this book sure will help me while teaching my students. I now have much more knolege on the subject.
Customer Reviews:
A must-have for any Columbus scholar.......2000-11-03
This is the largest fragment of Columbus's first voyage log, as abstracted by Bartolome de Las Casas. Of the many editions in print, Dunn & Kelley stands head and shoulders above the rest. The format has a new Spanish transcription on the left-hand pages, exactly as hand-written in the original manuscript by Las Casas: same abbreviations, strike-outs, diacriticals, and marginal notes. The right-hand pages contain an English translation.
But perhaps the most valuable addition for the scholar is the Spanish concordance of the entire text, giving folio and line numbers for every appearance of almost every word. (Common words such as prepositions are given only with word counts, not references.) All in all, a must-have for any serious scholar or afficianado of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea.
Customer Reviews:
A fun book for a sailor.......2005-04-10
A lot of great adventurers came back to write a book--Marco Polo, Julius Caeser, William Bligh, Neil Armstrong (well, with the help of Life Magazine). People seem to be the same throughout history. They'll go off on a great adventure, come home, and write a book about it. While Columbus' book (his log) as well as his body, evidently, are currently lost, this book sure seems realistic. It was a lot of fun trying to duplicate his voyage with modern charts to see if I could figure out his first landfall and any sailor will have fun doing the same since Columbus discovered the sailing routes still used.
I thought Columbus portrayed himself as an adventurer out for the discovery of gold and working for the king and queen who hired him, but what's so surprising about that? He was trying to substantiate the worth of his first trip and to convince Ferdinand and Isabella to send him again wasn't he?
indispensable for the student of the voyage...........2002-04-11
....and very easy to read. The English translation is very clear and put together from sources other than Las Casas, whose facts weren't always straight. For some reason the paragraphs are all center-justified and taper out oddly. Various theories about Columbus's landfall are discussed.
The one flaw is the introductory pieces that whitewash the man himself. Made out to be a bold, great hero, he was in actuality a gold-obsessed sailor, a poor mariner, a perpetual whiner whose crew could barely stand him, an intolerant European who assumed every land he touched belong to his King back in Spain, and of course the initiator of the slavery system in Espanola. His men built the first fortress in the so-called New World, and they brought several Native captives back to Spain. Fortunately, some of these events are mentioned in the Log itself.
Columbus Log.......2000-08-09
Fuson translated (and reconstructed where necessary) the logs of Columbus. Loaded with pictures, maps and explanatory comments this work gives us a look at the famous explorer in his own words. I'd guess this is the best and closest one could get to a primary source for Columbus's journals. This would be a great resource for teachers and students who cover the Discovery. Too bad it's out of print
Book Description
A stirring tale of adventure and tragedy
"They brought balls of spun cotton and parrots and javelins and other little things that it would be tiresome to write down, and they gave everything for anything that was given to them. I was attentive and labored to find out if there was any gold."
With these portentous words, Christopher Columbus described one of his first encounters with Native Americans on the island of Guanahani, which he had named San Salvador and claimed for Spain the day before. In Columbus in the Americas, bestselling author William Least Heat-Moon reveals that Columbus's subsequent dealings with the cultures he encountered not only did considerable immediate harm, but also set the pattern of behavior for those who followed him.
Based on the logbook of Columbus and numerous other firsthand accounts of his four voyages to the New World, this vividly detailed history also examines the strengths and weaknesses of Columbus as a navigator, explorer, and leader. It recounts dramatic events such as the destruction of Fortress Navidad, the very first European settlement in the New World; a pitched battle in northern Panama with the native Guaymi people; and an agonizing year Columbus and his men spent marooned on a narrow spit of land in southern Jamaica.
Filled with stories of triumph and tragedy, courage and villainy, Columbus in the Americas offers a balanced yet unflinching portrait of the most famous and controversial explorer in history.
TURNING POINTS features preeminent writers offering fresh, personal perspectives on the defining events of our time.
Customer Reviews:
Columbus - More Than 1492.......2003-10-02
This is a terrific history of Columbus' four trips to the Americas taken mostly from his journals and other contemporary accounts. It is better than good for several reasons.
First, it is novel in that it describes the first voyage beyond the histroy we get in grade school. It describes Columbus' luck as well as his skill which when combined enabled him to make the journey and how he kept the crew thinking that land was always just over the horizon. He establishes every sailor of the time knew the world was round - the fear was the unknown size of the sphere and what lay beyond the horizon.
Next, it describes Columbus' next three voyages. I had seen maps showing them, but never read any accounts.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book, though, was Mr. Least-Moon's accounts of how Columbus treated and perceived what he named Indians. The author puts these acts and attitudes into the context of the impending slaughter by the Spaniards of the Indians in the name of Christianity. The most remarkable aspect of the author's accounts and comments is that he makes the observations without a hint of political correctness or bias. His nearly emotionless rendition makes the reader's own conclusions more poignant.
This book is a terrific historical account of events about which most of us only have a superficial knowledge. It is strongly recommended.
Columbus..A Place to Begin.......2003-03-30
As an introduction to the voyages of Columbus, this book by William Least Heat-Moon serves the task well. In its brief 180 pages, an overview of where and when Columbus travelled is well chronicled.
There are perhaps too many people who know of Columbus only that "in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue". Yet Columbus did more than just sail. Although he never discovered America and constantly thought he had arrived in Asia, he nonetheless served as the spark to the later journeys that would fully reveal the New World. Unfortunately, both his journeys and those of his followers would do much to injure the indigenous people with the introduction of disease and slavery.
If you are searching for a primer on Columbus and the New World, Least Heat-Moon's book serves that purpose well. If, however, you are looking for something of greater substance, look to other sources.
A good read..........2003-01-08
I received this book "Columbus in the Americas" as a present and enjoyed it very much. I previously read Heat-Moon's Blue Highways as well as River-Horse and this is a quite a departure from those books. Frankly I enjoyed Blue Highways and River-Horse more because Heat-Moon has such a great way of telling stories of his experiences. With Columbus he had to rely upon historical fact and obviously could not put in the first-person details that makes the other books so wonderful.
Considered on its own merits though, Columbus is an excellent interpretation of his voyages. The book has emphasis on the qualities Columbus had that make reading of his accomplishments worthwhile even 500 years after the fact. This book has stirred my interest in learning more about the life and times of Columbus.
Columbus in the Americas.......2002-11-06
Given the recent uproar over traditional accounts of Columbus' "discovery", it is particularly refreshing to read so balanced and unpoliticed a narrative as this, especialy from one who's ancestors were among the "discovered". This story comes as close as I could imagine to taking the reader aboard on all four voyages.
As The Way Opened.......2002-10-18
Least Heat-Moon has turned in a small book about several voyages of discovery that continue to the present. Like the author's own voyages, we are properly briefed in the historical context, brought into the narrative of a 15th Century ocean crossing, shown glimpses of what we as a species believe is real, then are left to discover how we feel about what we are shown and who we are. This timely account of the voyages illustrates the cupidity of the discoverer and includes the author's macabre wit and razor sharp sense of historical irony. Not to be missed, while we wait...
Average customer rating:
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The Log of Christopher Columbus' First Voyage to America in the Year 1492
Christopher Columbus , and
Bartolome De Las Casas
Manufacturer: Linnet Books
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ASIN: 0208022473 |
Average customer rating:
- Interesting but dated study
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Christopher Columbus and the Participation of the Jews in the Spanish and Portuguese Discoveries
Meyer Kayserling
Manufacturer: Hubert Allen & Assoc.
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ASIN: 0964169495 |
Customer Reviews:
Interesting but dated study.......2006-12-05
A 19th century historical work that has been recovered. Evidently this is a dated study on the role of Jews from Spain and Portugal in the discoveries made in America, and more specifically on the connection with Cristóbal Colón (his authentic Spanish name).
It is still an interesting read if you want to see the story from a different view than our modern eye: it was still being considered whether the natives of America were (or not) descendants of the 10 tribes of Israel!
It seems to me a little chaotic in its composition, like a potential book of 500 pages had been summarized into a little more than a hundred. I mean: date, locations and names flow unrestrained thru the pages.
Incongruencies also abound, maybe as a result of not clarifying the background of the story. For instance, when you would think that no more Jews would be found in possession of any reaches, and that the ones left (who survived) would be destitute, more of them appear in the scene as if nothing had happened to their brethren before. I read the book expecting to find more info on the Jewish origin of Colón's family (as it has now been established), but nothing is said about it. There is an interesting comment by the author in page 80 about the words that Colón puts in his journal concerning the expulsion of the Jews from Spain: "without a word of disapprobation (...) his apathetic words are indicative of his fanaticism. This trait he did not, however, import from Italy, which at that time was a preeminently republican and commercial country", says Keyserling. This is another instance where a historian captures the incongruity of considering Colón an Italian, however in this case unconsciously. But indeed his alleged nationality has never been satisfactorily proved, only assumed. In this respect there is a more logical version for his geographic origin, this being situated in Galicia, the northwest of Spain. This more logical, as well as documented, possibility was proved by J. M. Mosqueira Manso already in the first half of the 20th century (see "La cuna gallega de Cristóbal Colón").
Book Description
When Columbus was born in the mid-fifteenth century, Europe was isolated in many ways from the rest of the Old World and Europeans did not even know that the world of the Western Hemisphere existed. The voyages of Christopher Columbus opened a period of European exploration and empire building that breached the boundaries of those isolated worlds and changed the course of human history. This book describes the life and times of Christopher Columbus. The story is not just of one man's rise and fall. Seen in its broader context, his life becomes a prism reflecting the broad range of human experience for the past five hundred years.
Customer Reviews:
Christoper Columbus: A Participate.......2003-11-22
In The Worlds of Christopher Columbus, William D. Phillips, Jr. and Carla Rahn Phillips place Columbus in a broad world context. Phillips and Phillips discuss Columbus and his travels across the Atlantic as a part of a larger inclination of movement in Europe to other parts of the world. By examining Columbus and European society in broader historical and geographic contexts, Phillips and Phillips show that Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic was not a unique event but rather a "continuation of a centuries-old human process of exploration and migration." (1) Before 1492, Europeans met and dealt with peoples "in pursuit of wealth and in service to a militant Christianity." (1) Columbus's voyage west was an attempt to continue what Europeans had done for centuries.
I give the volume 4 stary because of one minor limitation in the volume: the authors' use of a collective "European" mentality and culture. By using "European" instead of particular nations in Europe (or other identities), Phillips and Phillips portray expansion and exploration as a cooperative venture instead of a competition among European states. Instead, the authors should discuss the respective differences among the European nations and their respective economic, geographic, and historical situations. To understand why Spain and Portugal, and not Britain or France, for example, succeeded in exploration in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, these respective countries must be examined on their own, and not hidden by an all-encompassing "European" geographic and historical concept.
Overall, the volume helps to deflect the exceptionalism that usually comes with any discussion of Columbus by placing him and his voyages in broader historical developments.
New Insights on a Traditional Hero and Modern Villain.......2001-02-27
Afraid that the backlash against an exaggerated hero worship of an often idealized Columbus will lead to a new and equally false myth of Columbus as simple villain, the authors systematically reconstruct the intelllectual atmosphere of 15th century Europeans. The widespread obsessions with religion, trade, Spanish empire building, and bureaucratic organizations are meticulously documented.
The Worlds of Christopher Columbus stands out as a balanced, fair, and well-researched work examining the life and legacy of Columbus within the context of his times, European exploration, Christian theology, and the search for quicker/safer trade routes. The book combines a wide variety of sources and perspectives as it chronicles Columbus' four voyages, and many more controversies, to the New World.
The authors, both historians at University of Minnesota, essentially argue that Columbus reflected the basic assumptions of his era like "a prism" combining ambition, zealous Christianity, and excellent navigation skills. The right man at the right place and time, Columbus sought recognition for opening Asia to trade and the expansion of Christianity. Ironically, Coulumbus always passionately condemned the idea that his "his world" was a "new continent." This valuable work brings new insights to the gradual evolution in Columbus goals, from Asian trading and building African style trading posts to island colonization. Columbus' decision to make slavery an economic cornerstone of Spain's new territories recevies special attention. (Queen Isabella, of Spanish Inquistion fame, opposed the enslavement of native tribespeople for religious reasons.)
Exploring Old Worlds.......2000-02-03
William and Carla Rhan Phillips have done a marvelous job of helping the reader understand the workings of the world of the 15th century. They have divided their book into three major sections; the first sets the stage for the reader by describing the events which made the voyages of discovery possible. The second section recounts the details of the actual voyages of Christopher Columbus, and the third section discusses the aftermath of his discoveries. The Phillips' cover a wide range of subjects, from the "Columbus legends" taught to us as children to the detailed evolution of ship building and navigational tools. Also discussed are the politics of the time, the religious beliefs, common knowledge of the period and more. (It is surprising how many of us were taught that Columbus was the only man of the period who believed the earth was round.) Columbus was not an accomplished scholar or a misunderstood genius for he held wildly inaccurate views of the world, his belief that he had discovered Asia never faltered. In this book you will get a feel for the evolution of maritime technology; how Columbus sought and gained financial support for his explorations on behalf of Spain; details of the actual outfitting and explorations of the four voyages made by Columbus. You will learn why the Phillips' described Columbus as a "masterful salesman" who exaggerated his discoveries. There are many books about Columbus, each written from different angles and differing bias, but I felt this book was well researched, well documented, and fair minded. So saying, I came away feeling that Columbus was a daring mariner, that he was an inept administrator who openly disobeyed royal instructions and that he brought many of his troubles upon himself. Yet by putting him into the context of his time they have softened the harsh edges of his character flaws. I would definitely recommend this work to anyone who wishes to get a well documented account of the worlds of Christopher Columbus.
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