In Arthur Helps' historical non-fiction masterpiece, readers are taken on a fascinating journey through the life of one of the most iconic figures in world history, Christopher Columbus. "The Life of Columbus" offers an incredibly detailed and insightful account of the explorer's experiences, aspirations, and challenges, right from his humble beginnings.
Helps has meticulously researched Columbus' life, leaving no stone unturned to present a comprehensive and richly detailed narrative. The author's dedication to historical accuracy is evident in the abundance of primary sources cited throughout the book. This lends a sense of authenticity to the story, allowing readers to delve deeper into the mind of this renowned voyager.
What truly sets Helps' work apart is his remarkable storytelling ability. He masterfully weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions, transporting readers to the 15th-century world of Columbus. From the bustling ports of Genoa to the vast uncharted waters of the Atlantic, readers are invited to witness Columbus' relentless pursuit of his dream, overcoming numerous obstacles in his path.
The Life of Columbus offers a balanced portrayal of its subject. While considering Columbus' extraordinary accomplishments, Helps does not shy away from shedding light on his complex character. The book explores the explorer's ambition, determination, and unwavering belief in his own ideas. Simultaneously, it brings forth his flaws and the controversies surrounding his actions, providing a well-rounded and nuanced perspective.
One of the most compelling aspects of this narrative is its examination of the societal, political, and economic forces that shaped Columbus' world. Helps brilliantly captures the spirit of the age, depicting the clash between old traditions and the dawn of a new era. By delving into the motivations of European powers, the book offers readers a broader understanding of the context in which Columbus embarked on his formative journeys.
In addition to an engaging narrative, The Life of Columbus is accompanied by a trove of illustrative materials. Detailed maps, vibrant illustrations, and carefully selected portraits further enhance the reading experience, enabling readers to visualize the moments and places that played a crucial role in Columbus' life.
While the density of information and the sheer breadth of the subject matter may be daunting at first, Helps' writing style is fluid and accessible. Although his prose maintains the tone of a historical work, it remains engaging throughout, making it suitable for readers of varied familiarity with the subject.
"The Life of Columbus" by Arthur Helps is nothing short of a magnum opus, celebrating the life and legacy of one of history's most influential figures. By meticulously piecing together historical evidence and employing his remarkable storytelling skills, Helps has crafted an immersive and profoundly enlightening biography. This book serves as an indispensable resource for history enthusiasts, while also offering a captivating narrative that will captivate and educate anyone drawn to the adventures of a man who forever reshaped the course of human history.
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Transcribers Notes:Several non English proper names have been rendered in ASCI, omitting the proper accents.
Page headers have been moved to the beginning of the appropriate paragraph and several very long paragraphs have been split to correspond to the page headers. See the DOC or PDF versions for the original pagination and map images.
The following glossary provides references and definitions of unfamiliar (to me) terms and names.
Adelantado Governor or commander. Refers to Don Bartholomew Columbus (brother of Christopher) in this volume.
Angelic Doctor: Thomas Aquinas
Arroba In Spanish speaking countries, a weight of about 25 pounds. In Portuguese speaking countries, about 32 pounds.
Aught Anything whatever.
Bartholomew Columbus Brother of Christopher Columbus.
Cacique Title for an Indian chief in the Spanish West Indies.
Ca da Mosto or Cadamosto Alvise Ca' da Mosto, (1432 1488) Venetian explorer and trader who wrote early accounts of western African exploration.
Caonabo Cacique (chief) who destroyed Columbus's first garrison at La Navidad.
Cave of Adullam About 13 miles west of Bethlehem where David gathered "every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented" (1 Sam. 22:2).
Cipango Japan... Continue reading book >>
