Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia being a concordance of choice tributes to the great Genoese, his grand discovery, and his greatness of mind and purpose   By: J. M. (John Marcus) [Compiler] Dickey

In "Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia," J. M. Dickey presents a comprehensive compilation of tributes to the renowned Genoese explorer. This book delves into Columbus' extraordinary journey and celebrates his exceptional qualities of mind and purpose.

Dickey skillfully curates a wide array of sources, bringing together various prose and poetry pieces that pay homage to Columbus and his groundbreaking discovery. Through these collected works, readers gain a profound insight into the impact of Columbus' expedition and the admiration he evoked from countless individuals.

One of the notable strengths of this book is its meticulous organization. Dickey structures the tributes in a logical and coherent manner, guiding readers through key moments in Columbus' life and achievements. The chronological arrangement allows readers to appreciate the evolution of public sentiment towards Columbus and the enduring significance of his voyage.

Furthermore, the inclusion of both prose and poetry offers a balanced perspective on Columbus' legacy. The prose entries provide insightful historical context, presenting readers with factual accounts and analyses. On the other hand, the poetic pieces capture the emotional fervor that Columbus inspired in his contemporaries.

Dickey's compilation is not limited to the works of well-known historical figures, but also incorporates lesser-known authors. By doing so, he uncovers a chorus of voices from different eras and backgrounds, each contributing to the tapestry of Columbus' praise. This diverse selection enriches the reader's understanding of the profound impact Columbus had on people from various walks of life.

Although this collection is primarily a homage to Columbus, it also acknowledges the controversies surrounding his legacy. Dickey recognizes the complexity of Columbus as a historical figure and includes different perspectives on his actions and motivations. By presenting these contrasting views, the book encourages readers to engage with Columbus' story critically and reflect on the nuances of his impact.

While the content of "Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia" is commendable, its layout and formatting could have been more polished. The book lacks clear section markers or breaks, making it somewhat challenging to navigate the text smoothly. Additionally, a more detailed introduction or commentary by Dickey would have been useful to provide better context to the selected pieces.

In conclusion, J. M. Dickey's "Christopher Columbus and His Monument Columbia" is an insightful compilation that paints a vivid portrait of the Genoese explorer and his lasting influence. By gathering diverse voices and perspectives, the book invites readers to explore the complexities surrounding Columbus' legacy. Despite some minor drawbacks in organization and contextualization, this compilation is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the enduring fascination with Christopher Columbus and his remarkable voyage.

First Page:

Six hundred authors and more have written of Columbus or his great discovery. An endless task therefore would it be to attempt to enumerate, much less set out, the thousands who have incidentally, and even encomiastically, referred to him... Continue reading book >>