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The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus
A gifted historian presents a definitive book on Columbus—his life, his legacy, and the many controversies that outlived him.
Two thousand books have been written about Columbus, most of them spirited defenses or relentless attacks. Recently, the balance has the Genoese navigator, once considered a hero, is now blamed for bringing plunder and genocide to the Americas. In The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus, historian Matthew Restall takes us beyond polemic, sifting through the evidence across nations, languages, and five centuries to explore the central questions of Columbiana. He demonstrates that we know a great deal about Columbus’s life, and what we know shows that Columbus was not nearly as remarkable as many have assumed—or as he himself believed. But his afterlives are another Restall narrates the international contest over Columbus’s bones and the dozens of regional and national claims on his birthplace (some turning him into a secret Jew), examines how he became an American hero and then a hero of Italian Americans, and more. The result is a kaleidoscopic account of a single man that becomes a new history of the modern world.
Two thousand books have been written about Columbus, most of them spirited defenses or relentless attacks. Recently, the balance has the Genoese navigator, once considered a hero, is now blamed for bringing plunder and genocide to the Americas. In The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus, historian Matthew Restall takes us beyond polemic, sifting through the evidence across nations, languages, and five centuries to explore the central questions of Columbiana. He demonstrates that we know a great deal about Columbus’s life, and what we know shows that Columbus was not nearly as remarkable as many have assumed—or as he himself believed. But his afterlives are another Restall narrates the international contest over Columbus’s bones and the dozens of regional and national claims on his birthplace (some turning him into a secret Jew), examines how he became an American hero and then a hero of Italian Americans, and more. The result is a kaleidoscopic account of a single man that becomes a new history of the modern world.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2025
About the author
Matthew Restall
31 books82 followersMatthew Restall is a historian of Colonial Latin America. He is an ethnohistorian and a scholar of conquest, colonization, and the African diaspora in the Americas. He is currently Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Latin American History and Anthropology, and Director of Latin American Studies, at the Pennsylvania State University. He is President of the American Society for Ethnohistory, a former editor of Ethnohistory journal, a senior editor of the Hispanic American Historical Review, editor of the book series Latin American Originals, and co-editor of the Cambridge Latin American Studies book series.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 7, 2026
I love historical biography and wanted to delve deeper into Columbus’ life. This was not the book for that purpose. The author does not establish the parameters of any definitive biography for Columbus before he goes about criticizing and dismissing what he feels are myths and false assumptions by other biographers and fiction writers (not sure I cared) and movie makers, which would have been helpful, except for saying that he was born in Genoa and died in Spain.
Each chapter is divided into a “life.” One chapter is about where Columbus’ remains could be interred. Is it Spain, is it Cuba, is it Italy? What does all the genetic testing tell us? Once again, not sure I cared. Another chapter is about the endless litigation over Columbus’ considerable estate by his heirs over the centuries. Didn’t care at all, and I’m a lawyer!
The one “life” that I would think is of most interest to many readers is Columbus’ brutal treatment and exploitation of indigenous peoples in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other islands he “discovered.” However, the book provides no comprehensive account of these events and atrocities for those readers who were interested in lurid details. The author seemed frantic to offer his commentary that Columbus was just an average white person and we should not consider him to be depraved just because he tortured, raped, mutilated, kidnapped and enslaved thousands. Oh, and if it hadn’t been him, it would have been another Spanish or Portuguese explorer because this rapid westward expansion was inevitable.
Not the biography I was expecting.
Each chapter is divided into a “life.” One chapter is about where Columbus’ remains could be interred. Is it Spain, is it Cuba, is it Italy? What does all the genetic testing tell us? Once again, not sure I cared. Another chapter is about the endless litigation over Columbus’ considerable estate by his heirs over the centuries. Didn’t care at all, and I’m a lawyer!
The one “life” that I would think is of most interest to many readers is Columbus’ brutal treatment and exploitation of indigenous peoples in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other islands he “discovered.” However, the book provides no comprehensive account of these events and atrocities for those readers who were interested in lurid details. The author seemed frantic to offer his commentary that Columbus was just an average white person and we should not consider him to be depraved just because he tortured, raped, mutilated, kidnapped and enslaved thousands. Oh, and if it hadn’t been him, it would have been another Spanish or Portuguese explorer because this rapid westward expansion was inevitable.
Not the biography I was expecting.
January 25, 2026
Restall sets out to debunk popular myths, but it’s all very unsurprising and safe in today’s world.
November 27, 2025
3.5 stars
February 7, 2026
It’s fascinating to learn how much we incorrectly assume about this iconic figure; this well-researched, straightforward biography clarifies nearly everything.
October 4, 2025
Quick Summary: A "Biographies & Memoirs | History" book
My Review: The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus by Matthew Restall is a historical non-fiction work that presents the case on the controversial figure, Cristoforo Colombo. The book is scheduled for release on 10/7/25.
About the Book: "In The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus, acclaimed historian Matthew Restall...presents a new, authoritative biography of Columbus, while at the same time tracing his many afterlives down into our own time. He explores the mysteries...that color our understanding of Columbus even in the twenty-first century...
Restall takes us beyond polemic, sifting through the evidence across nations, languages, and five centuries to explore the many questions that make up what he calls 'Columbiana.'"
In My Own Words: A detailed portrait of a man with many faces
Why I Was Interested in Reading This Book: When I saw this book, I immediately became interested in reading it. There were a number of reasons why this was so.
- For over three decades, I have been intrigued with learning about this infamous figure. The man I came to know about as a young grade school student and the man I came to unveil as an adult learner and lover of history were not one and the same. I have made it a point to study the character, the life, and the legacy of this polarizing man. This book offered me an opportunity that I could not pass up.
- The title of this book grabbed my attention. I found it to be captivating. I knew, without a doubt, that the author would peel back the layers on the "merchant mariner who became an explorer, slave-trader, and conquistador-settler." I felt that he would, perhaps, offer a fresh perspective, thereby giving me new food for thought.
- Even before opening the book, it began speaking. The cover of this book was eye-catching. It reminded me of a puzzle. In looking at the life of Columbus, I feel strongly that he was, indeed, the very thing Restall tried to piece together- a puzzle. He was an enigma. The explorer's life was one filled with controversies, mysteries, and contradictions.
- The draw of the multicultural perspectives was largely appealing. In reading the book, I wanted to understand the viewpoints of the diverse people groups represented. Columbus had colorful, remarkable, tainted, and tragic ties to many histories. I was curious how Restall would paint his picture.
What I Liked:
- I liked the layout of the book, from the design to the order of presentation.
- I liked the conversational tone that the author used to communicate the story of Columbus' "lives." He did not demonstrate a dry retelling, rather his narration came across as thought-provoking.
- I liked the Q & A format that was used in the chapters. It is my preferred approach when it comes to dissemination of information.
- I liked the inclusion of drawings, pictures/photos, etc. that were sprinkled throughout the material.
What I Did Not Like/Care For:
- Some of the language used was extremely crude and very profane. I did not care for it.
- In certain places where the more disturbing content was shared, the contemporary tone became distracting.
- I expected the author's voice to remain neutral, however, I felt that there were clear glimpses of his opinionated stance on certain issues. By the end of the book, his views were extremely evident, despite his expressed desire to be polemic.
- I did not necessarily agree with some of Restall's thoughts on the perpetuation of cited myths.
The Most Interesting Life Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9.
Life 1 -The Genoese
Life 2 - The Admiral
Life 3 - The Remains
Life 5 - The Lover
Life 9 - The Italian
My Final Say: This book certainly warrants consideration for those who have a keen interest in "Columbiana." Restall did a fair job with it. I think that both the scholar and the layman may find it to be an intriguing work.
While it was challenging for me to get past my own biases concerning Columbus, I will say that Restall's book afforded this reader with a curious and noteworthy take on "The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus."
Other: I would definitely suggest this work as a history book club recommendation. I think it would generate much discussion and a healthy debate.
I also believe this book will invite readers to conduct their own in depth research on the topic (as they should).
*** Potential readers are advised to read any and all content warnings provided by the author and/or publisher. ***
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Note: Content warning
Triggers: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (W. W. Norton & Company), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared in my review are my own thoughts and opinions.
My Review: The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus by Matthew Restall is a historical non-fiction work that presents the case on the controversial figure, Cristoforo Colombo. The book is scheduled for release on 10/7/25.
About the Book: "In The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus, acclaimed historian Matthew Restall...presents a new, authoritative biography of Columbus, while at the same time tracing his many afterlives down into our own time. He explores the mysteries...that color our understanding of Columbus even in the twenty-first century...
Restall takes us beyond polemic, sifting through the evidence across nations, languages, and five centuries to explore the many questions that make up what he calls 'Columbiana.'"
In My Own Words: A detailed portrait of a man with many faces
Why I Was Interested in Reading This Book: When I saw this book, I immediately became interested in reading it. There were a number of reasons why this was so.
- For over three decades, I have been intrigued with learning about this infamous figure. The man I came to know about as a young grade school student and the man I came to unveil as an adult learner and lover of history were not one and the same. I have made it a point to study the character, the life, and the legacy of this polarizing man. This book offered me an opportunity that I could not pass up.
- The title of this book grabbed my attention. I found it to be captivating. I knew, without a doubt, that the author would peel back the layers on the "merchant mariner who became an explorer, slave-trader, and conquistador-settler." I felt that he would, perhaps, offer a fresh perspective, thereby giving me new food for thought.
- Even before opening the book, it began speaking. The cover of this book was eye-catching. It reminded me of a puzzle. In looking at the life of Columbus, I feel strongly that he was, indeed, the very thing Restall tried to piece together- a puzzle. He was an enigma. The explorer's life was one filled with controversies, mysteries, and contradictions.
- The draw of the multicultural perspectives was largely appealing. In reading the book, I wanted to understand the viewpoints of the diverse people groups represented. Columbus had colorful, remarkable, tainted, and tragic ties to many histories. I was curious how Restall would paint his picture.
What I Liked:
- I liked the layout of the book, from the design to the order of presentation.
- I liked the conversational tone that the author used to communicate the story of Columbus' "lives." He did not demonstrate a dry retelling, rather his narration came across as thought-provoking.
- I liked the Q & A format that was used in the chapters. It is my preferred approach when it comes to dissemination of information.
- I liked the inclusion of drawings, pictures/photos, etc. that were sprinkled throughout the material.
What I Did Not Like/Care For:
- Some of the language used was extremely crude and very profane. I did not care for it.
- In certain places where the more disturbing content was shared, the contemporary tone became distracting.
- I expected the author's voice to remain neutral, however, I felt that there were clear glimpses of his opinionated stance on certain issues. By the end of the book, his views were extremely evident, despite his expressed desire to be polemic.
- I did not necessarily agree with some of Restall's thoughts on the perpetuation of cited myths.
The Most Interesting Life Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9.
Life 1 -The Genoese
Life 2 - The Admiral
Life 3 - The Remains
Life 5 - The Lover
Life 9 - The Italian
My Final Say: This book certainly warrants consideration for those who have a keen interest in "Columbiana." Restall did a fair job with it. I think that both the scholar and the layman may find it to be an intriguing work.
While it was challenging for me to get past my own biases concerning Columbus, I will say that Restall's book afforded this reader with a curious and noteworthy take on "The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus."
Other: I would definitely suggest this work as a history book club recommendation. I think it would generate much discussion and a healthy debate.
I also believe this book will invite readers to conduct their own in depth research on the topic (as they should).
*** Potential readers are advised to read any and all content warnings provided by the author and/or publisher. ***
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Note: Content warning
Triggers: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (W. W. Norton & Company), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared in my review are my own thoughts and opinions.
August 2, 2026
Strong book that dovetails with my own interests in memory and historiography and Columbus himself. I grew up near Columbus, Ohio, during the quincentennial in which a historically accurate, full-size replica of the flagship Santa Maria sat in the Scioto River. Interesting chapters on Columbus the Genoese, Columbus the Admiral, the Remains (his poor bones have been everywhere!), Columbus the Saint (not convincing, given the genocide he launched, though Restall is quick to say that someone else would have, even if Columbus hadn’t), Columbus the Lover (some believe he abused manatees), Columbus the Iberian, and Columbus the Italian (natives of his hometown are surprisingly disinterested).
Money quote: “In the end, he cut the distance [from the Canary Islands to Japan] to less than 2,770 miles; in reality, it is five times farther, some 13,700 miles. Columbus’s calculations were outlandish, completely wrong, and insufficient to fool Talavera’s committee. The real story therefore turns the mythistorical one on its head: the Castilian officials of church, law, and court correctly understood the size of the earth; the ignoramus was Columbus. All of them, on both sides of the discussion, knew the earth was round, and none of them knew or imagined that a vast continent unknown to them lay to the west.”
“For a poor, uneducated Genoese boy, the omnipresent sea presented a horizon of dreams—most immediately the Gulf of Genoa, then the Ligurian Sea, then the Mediterranean, and beyond it the Ocean Sea. As Columbus educated himself in early adulthood, his maritime dreams were fed by a centuries-old cultural tradition that saw the Ocean Sea as a place of islands whose alchemy could transform ordinary men into lords and princes.”
“The treatment of Indigenous peoples in the Caribbean and circum-Caribbean was undeniably brutal—shocking so, by the standards of any era—beginning in 1492 and extending through the century that followed. The fact that their systematic raping, maiming, slaughtering, displacing, and enslaving largely took place outside Columbus’s control or after his death does not excuse his involvement. But nor can such practices and patters of exploitation be credited to or blamed simply on him; at the root was not a Genoese mariner, but the logic of empire and the violent, exploitative bigotry of colonialism.”
Money quote: “In the end, he cut the distance [from the Canary Islands to Japan] to less than 2,770 miles; in reality, it is five times farther, some 13,700 miles. Columbus’s calculations were outlandish, completely wrong, and insufficient to fool Talavera’s committee. The real story therefore turns the mythistorical one on its head: the Castilian officials of church, law, and court correctly understood the size of the earth; the ignoramus was Columbus. All of them, on both sides of the discussion, knew the earth was round, and none of them knew or imagined that a vast continent unknown to them lay to the west.”
“For a poor, uneducated Genoese boy, the omnipresent sea presented a horizon of dreams—most immediately the Gulf of Genoa, then the Ligurian Sea, then the Mediterranean, and beyond it the Ocean Sea. As Columbus educated himself in early adulthood, his maritime dreams were fed by a centuries-old cultural tradition that saw the Ocean Sea as a place of islands whose alchemy could transform ordinary men into lords and princes.”
“The treatment of Indigenous peoples in the Caribbean and circum-Caribbean was undeniably brutal—shocking so, by the standards of any era—beginning in 1492 and extending through the century that followed. The fact that their systematic raping, maiming, slaughtering, displacing, and enslaving largely took place outside Columbus’s control or after his death does not excuse his involvement. But nor can such practices and patters of exploitation be credited to or blamed simply on him; at the root was not a Genoese mariner, but the logic of empire and the violent, exploitative bigotry of colonialism.”
July 16, 2026
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus is a fascinating, deeply researched, and refreshingly balanced examination of one of the most debated figures in world history. Rather than defending or condemning Christopher Columbus, Matthew Restall carefully separates historical evidence from centuries of mythmaking, allowing readers to understand both the man and the many identities later generations projected onto him.
What makes this book exceptional is its breadth. Restall not only reconstructs Columbus's life with remarkable historical precision but also explores the extraordinary legacy that followed his death. From disputes over his remains to competing national claims, political symbolism, and shifting cultural interpretations, the book demonstrates how Columbus became as much a historical idea as a historical person.
The writing is accessible without sacrificing scholarly depth, making complex historical debates engaging for both general readers and serious history enthusiasts. Restall's commitment to evidence over ideology gives the narrative credibility and invites readers to think critically about how history is remembered, interpreted, and often rewritten.
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus is more than a biography it is an insightful exploration of historical memory, national identity, and the enduring power of narrative. It is an essential read for anyone interested in world history, exploration, or the ways history continues to shape the present.
What makes this book exceptional is its breadth. Restall not only reconstructs Columbus's life with remarkable historical precision but also explores the extraordinary legacy that followed his death. From disputes over his remains to competing national claims, political symbolism, and shifting cultural interpretations, the book demonstrates how Columbus became as much a historical idea as a historical person.
The writing is accessible without sacrificing scholarly depth, making complex historical debates engaging for both general readers and serious history enthusiasts. Restall's commitment to evidence over ideology gives the narrative credibility and invites readers to think critically about how history is remembered, interpreted, and often rewritten.
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus is more than a biography it is an insightful exploration of historical memory, national identity, and the enduring power of narrative. It is an essential read for anyone interested in world history, exploration, or the ways history continues to shape the present.
April 8, 2026
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus by Matthew Restall is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched reexamination of one of history’s most debated figures. Rather than taking a predictable stance of praise or condemnation, Restall offers a nuanced, multi-dimensional portrait that challenges the myths surrounding Columbus while illuminating the many ways his legacy has been reshaped over time.
What makes this work particularly compelling is its structure. By exploring the “nine lives” of Columbus, Restall moves beyond the man himself to examine the evolving interpretations of his identity across cultures, nations, and centuries. This layered approach transforms the biography into something far more expansive: a reflection on how history is constructed, contested, and continuously rewritten.
Restall’s scholarship is both rigorous and accessible, making complex historical debates engaging without losing their depth. His ability to balance critical analysis with narrative clarity ensures that readers are not only informed but also encouraged to question long-held assumptions.
Insightful and refreshingly balanced, The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus stands as a significant contribution to historical literature, offering readers a deeper understanding of both the man and the powerful narratives that have shaped his enduring legacy.
What makes this work particularly compelling is its structure. By exploring the “nine lives” of Columbus, Restall moves beyond the man himself to examine the evolving interpretations of his identity across cultures, nations, and centuries. This layered approach transforms the biography into something far more expansive: a reflection on how history is constructed, contested, and continuously rewritten.
Restall’s scholarship is both rigorous and accessible, making complex historical debates engaging without losing their depth. His ability to balance critical analysis with narrative clarity ensures that readers are not only informed but also encouraged to question long-held assumptions.
Insightful and refreshingly balanced, The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus stands as a significant contribution to historical literature, offering readers a deeper understanding of both the man and the powerful narratives that have shaped his enduring legacy.
October 15, 2025
This dense book demonstrates that 98% of what is known and repeated about Christopher Columbus is myth. The whole campaign by revisionists to blame him for everything wrong in the New World for the last 500 years is ridiculous. The reason I rated it a 3 star is that it dwells at length on his family and the legal disputes over 300 years to maintain his title and wealth. It also focuses on the fact that he was a representative of Spain and the Catholic Church from 500 years ago. Have you ever thought about why no long lived, stable democracies have arisen in the Latin world? Well this in part explains it. He was a somewhat itinerate sailor who served his ego and his desire for wealth and fame. Within 10 years after 1492, 1000's crossed The Atlantic seeking the same things. Yes, the Native Peoples were devastated, but this was a result of another tradgic tide of history. Remember the germ theory of disease was not discovered until 1870. To end this, in his later life he became a religious zealot, an instrument of the church. There was even a substantial movement in the 19th century to canonize him. Again, ridiculous.
December 9, 2025
The nine lives that Matthew Restall refers to are, for the most part, perceptions of Christopher Columbus, along with an actual biography of the real Columbus. He dispels myths about Columbus right and left. And let's face it, much of what most people think they know about Columbus is based more on myth than fact. For example, even though historical records are clear about his birth in Genoa, many nations have tried to claim him as their own. Spain, of course, but also France, other regions in Italy - even Greece and Scandinavia.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the descriptions of how Columbus was perceived at different points in history. Hero. Visionary explorer. Brutal enslaver. Even a candidate for sainthood. In the United States, Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries employed him as a means to improve American attitudes toward the many immigrants from Italy.
Whether you prefer to commemorate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day, this is an interesting look at a man who has been forced into a number of roles long after his death.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the descriptions of how Columbus was perceived at different points in history. Hero. Visionary explorer. Brutal enslaver. Even a candidate for sainthood. In the United States, Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries employed him as a means to improve American attitudes toward the many immigrants from Italy.
Whether you prefer to commemorate Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day, this is an interesting look at a man who has been forced into a number of roles long after his death.
April 3, 2026
Matthew Restall accomplishes what two thousand previous books failed to achieve: a Columbus biography that transcends hero worship and villain condemnation alike. Restall's central insight is quietly devastating the historical Columbus was far less remarkable than his mythologies suggest, yet those mythologies reveal everything about the cultures that constructed them. The book shines when tracing how Italian Americans, American patriots, and various nationalist movements claimed and reshaped Columbus to serve their own narratives. Restall's multilingual archival work is formidable, and his prose remains accessible even when navigating complex historiographical disputes. The structure, organized around Columbus's "afterlives" rather than strict chronology, occasionally sacrifices narrative momentum for thematic breadth. Still, this is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand not just 1492, but how we argue about history itself. A master class in scholarly restraint and intellectual curiosity.
February 15, 2026
This is a really great book by Matthew Restall. It is not exactly a biography, but rather 9 distinct ways of looking at Columbus's legacies and controversies. The figure of him has been twisted so much since his arrival to the Americas, either by European powers, by American countries, by hate groups, by indigenous peoples...
So much myth surrounds Columbus, that people don't even know what is true anymore: that he committed a genocide, that he was born not in Genoa, but Spain, or Portugal, or even France; that he knew much more than the Spanish inquisitors that mocked him; that he has Jewish; that Queen Isabel had to pawn her jewels so she could fund the first voyage; and, the most ludicrous one, that he had a fond and bestiality desire for manatees (this one we owe to TikTok's stupidity).
It is a very interesting book on Columbus and the way societies have interpreted him. Should not be considered as a complete biography, but as a complement of it. I recommend it.
So much myth surrounds Columbus, that people don't even know what is true anymore: that he committed a genocide, that he was born not in Genoa, but Spain, or Portugal, or even France; that he knew much more than the Spanish inquisitors that mocked him; that he has Jewish; that Queen Isabel had to pawn her jewels so she could fund the first voyage; and, the most ludicrous one, that he had a fond and bestiality desire for manatees (this one we owe to TikTok's stupidity).
It is a very interesting book on Columbus and the way societies have interpreted him. Should not be considered as a complete biography, but as a complement of it. I recommend it.
January 20, 2026
This is a fairly interesting look at the life of Christopher Columbus, and how he has been looked at throughout history. The 9 lives are basically an insight into different aspects of his life, as an explorer, a family man, and his various associations with different countries/areas such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Although it is fairly well document that he was born in Genoa, Italy, there are many claims that he was actually from other areas in Italy, or Spain, or Greece, r even Scandinavia. The book really does not go into any detail about his actual voyages to the new world. It focuses more on his relationships with family and others, and how he has been perceived throughout history. While the book is an interesting take on the life of Columbus, I did find it a bit “draggy” at times. But if you are interested in history, it is worth the read.
December 1, 2025
A most excellent history book.
The author has done a fantastic job of doing his research. He puts forward all the stories, legends and misconceptions surrounding Christopher Columbus that exist, and have existed throughout history. He then proceeds to thoroughly dissect them to see if they hold the credibility they claim. The result is a fantastic journey through many different versions of Christopher's life, with countless "facts" debunked on the way, leaving only the mostly likely historical truths.
The author maintains his unbiased stance all throughout, which adds value and authenticity to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the truths and untruths surrounding the enigmatic character in history that is Columbus.
The author has done a fantastic job of doing his research. He puts forward all the stories, legends and misconceptions surrounding Christopher Columbus that exist, and have existed throughout history. He then proceeds to thoroughly dissect them to see if they hold the credibility they claim. The result is a fantastic journey through many different versions of Christopher's life, with countless "facts" debunked on the way, leaving only the mostly likely historical truths.
The author maintains his unbiased stance all throughout, which adds value and authenticity to this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the truths and untruths surrounding the enigmatic character in history that is Columbus.
June 6, 2026
The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus is easily a must-read for anyone interested in Columbus as a historical figure, or anyone who has invariably been roped into the culture war over his legacy.
The sheer amount of academic legwork that went into this one is quite commendable.
As is the case with the rest of Restall's writing, he frequently uses parenthesis to include clarifying information, which can be a bit distracting if you're not used to it. That's not really a criticism so much as it is a disclaimer.
Admittedly, some sections of this book start to feel like he's meandering, but Restall always brings it back to the topic at hand. Your tolerance for that might be different, though.
The sheer amount of academic legwork that went into this one is quite commendable.
As is the case with the rest of Restall's writing, he frequently uses parenthesis to include clarifying information, which can be a bit distracting if you're not used to it. That's not really a criticism so much as it is a disclaimer.
Admittedly, some sections of this book start to feel like he's meandering, but Restall always brings it back to the topic at hand. Your tolerance for that might be different, though.
March 2, 2026
it was hard to understand what the authors motives are in writing this book. He seems to think atrocities committed by Columbus should be seen as a product of his times? He didn't set up the system, just followed it, exploited it?
one keeps hearing about immigrants having to assimilate and their failure is reason enough to demonize them. however Columbus and all the colonizers have come to a new land and not only did they not assimilate, they annihilated entire races for greed and avarice and yet history has mythicized them and put them on pedestal and people in modern day want them to stay there? When asked by people to rethink this approach, then it's a problem?
one keeps hearing about immigrants having to assimilate and their failure is reason enough to demonize them. however Columbus and all the colonizers have come to a new land and not only did they not assimilate, they annihilated entire races for greed and avarice and yet history has mythicized them and put them on pedestal and people in modern day want them to stay there? When asked by people to rethink this approach, then it's a problem?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
Aan de hand van 9 aspecten van Columbus zoals wij die kennen uit wetenschappelijk en pseudo-wetenschappelijk (mythen) over deze historische figuur, wordt veel van wat wij denken te weten over Columbus onderuitgehaald en tot de ware en vrij kleine realiteit terug gebracht.
Het is een boeiend, goed geschreven verhaal. Deels al bekend, maar ook veel - voor mij - nieuwe feiten. De auteur behandelt ook uitgebreid de protesten, vooral in VS, in het kader van BLM movement en de zeer terechte protesten van de autochtone bewoners van Amerika.
Het is een boeiend, goed geschreven verhaal. Deels al bekend, maar ook veel - voor mij - nieuwe feiten. De auteur behandelt ook uitgebreid de protesten, vooral in VS, in het kader van BLM movement en de zeer terechte protesten van de autochtone bewoners van Amerika.
January 17, 2026
There were a lot of really interesting things about this book. I’ve never considered the question why Columbus is a bigger than any of the other explorers like amerigo Vespucci. The author reads the book and he does an excellent job of importing the enthusiasm of the book and the research.
Perhaps the only reason I didn’t give this a higher rating is reading it on the heels of the book about Captain Cook which absolutely had me riveted.
All in all this book is worth reading, but I did find it to be a tiny bit tedious at times.
Perhaps the only reason I didn’t give this a higher rating is reading it on the heels of the book about Captain Cook which absolutely had me riveted.
All in all this book is worth reading, but I did find it to be a tiny bit tedious at times.
December 31, 2025
My review of the book for the Washington Examiner:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/pr...
VM
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/pr...
VM
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
April 26, 2026
This was a very interesting book about the way Columbus has been viewed during history. Each section was able to develop a distinctly different aspect of the history and showed that our ideas are what shape our view of him rather than history.
August 7, 2025
Columbus was scum. He IS responsible for everything that happens no matter how much you want him to be a hero
November 12, 2025
The author does a good job debunking the myths surrounding Columbus , both good and bad.
January 7, 2026
Enjoyed the first 4 or 5 chapters (lives), but the last few were rather burdensome.
January 20, 2026
A tempered look at what we actually know about Christopher Columbus, with a good bit of mythbusting, but a bit too scholarly for my taste.
February 8, 2026
I hesitate to pick this book up after reading a summary. should have hesitated longer! Author claims to take an objective approach to dispelling the myths of Columbus, but really doesn't.
May 19, 2026
Audible
July 5, 2026
I learned a few new things about the man. Including that his descendants are still important people in Royal Spain.
February 13, 2026
Matthew Restall's Nine Lives explores the different "lives" of Christopher Columbus, who has been appropriated, glorified, and vilified by different cultures and people over the last 500 years. This book is well-researched and well-written making it an interesting and easily read book, even if it does take a bit of a time commitment to finish. Columbus' legacy always has and likely always will be debated, it's best to get a clear view of the full Columbus.
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