1492: Admiral of the Ocean-Sea

by Mary Johnston

In the 15th century, a fabulous journey awaited those who could unlock the secrets of the Earth's geography. Beautifully written and emotionally compelling, 1492: Admiral of the Ocean-Sea tells of the famous adventures of Columbus and his men, who sailed into the almost mythical seas beyond the horizon in search of the "New World", in the hopes of attaining vast wealth and power. This brilliant book, by best-selling author Mary Johnston, traces the long route taken by explorers hoping to locate Asia. Based on their limited means and understanding of navigation, they struggle to find their position, while at the same time encountering many natural wonders and exotic peoples. Tensions build as they appear to become increasingly lost. Columbus and his crew begin to lose hope, until they finally receive the vindication of their bold vision. 1492: Admiral of the Ocean-Sea pays special attention to the conditions of the late 15th century period. It describes the competition between classes and ethnic groups in Spain, as well as the clashes that occurred when people from two very different cultures, native American and European, interact. These issues are not merely abstract, since we see them vividly through the eyes of a disenfranchised a Christian sailor of Jewish background, who has been compelled to lead a secretive and solitary existence. The incidents of his life are brought to us in a handsome, elegant language, uncommon in the books of our day.

Genres: Historical Fiction

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

The daughter of an American Civil War soldier who became a successful lawyer, Mary Johnston was born in the small town of Buchanan, Virginia. A small and frail girl, she was educated at home by family and tutors. She grew up with a love of books and was financially independent enough to devote herself to writing.

Johnston wrote historical books and novels that often combined romance with history. Her novels were bestsellers in America, Canada and England.

During her long career, in addition to twenty-three novels, Johnston wrote a number of short stories, one drama, and two long narrative poems. She used her fame to advocate women's rights, strongly supporting the women's suffrage movement.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel of Columbus

The author, Mary Johnston of Virginia, was a best selling novelist in the first third of the Twentieth century. She wrote historical novels, some with a romance angle. Movies were made of some of her books including TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. She used her fame to advance women's rights. As might be expected, 1492 is a novel of Columbus, his voyages, discoveries, trials, triumphs and his fall from favor in the Spanish court. The novel also reveals the greed and harshness of the Spanish toward the Indians and each other. Ms. Johnston does not deny the greatness of Columbus or the ill treatment of the Indians by the Spanish. Johnston's writing style is unusual but grows on the reader.

[Fish Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating tale. especially liked the bit about Amazon women.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. About a Jew living during Christopher Columbus time. Trying to avoid falling victim of the inquisition. In the end he ends up as part of the crew of Columbus -- as a kind of escape from Spain -- being persecuted because of his Jewish ancestry. He ends up working on the ship as something like a medical doctor. And the end he is one of the white people left in America -- and he is the only one of those who survives -- greeting Columbus when he returns.