The Life of Christopher Columbus from His Own Letters and Journals

by Edward Everett Hale, 1stworld Library (Editor)

This book contains a life of Columbus, written with the hope of interesting all classes of readers. His life has often been written, and it has sometimes been well written. The great book of our countryman, Washington Irving, is a noble model of diligent work given to a very difficult subject. And I think every person who has dealt with the life of Columbus since Irving's time, has expressed his gratitude and respect for the author. According to the custom of biographers, in that time and since, he includes in those volumes the whole history of the West India islands, for the period after Columbus discovered them till his death. He also thinks it his duty to include much of the history of Spain and of the Spanish court. I do not myself believe that it is wise to attempt, in a book of biography, so considerable a study of the history of the time. Whether it be wise or not, I have not attempted it in this book. I have rather attempted to follow closely the personal fortunes of Christopher Columbus, and, to the history around him, I have given only such space as seemed absolutely necessary for the illustration of those fortunes.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1891

About the author

More than one hundred fifty literary works of Unitarian cleric and writer Edward Everett Hale, younger brother of fellow American writer Lucretia Peabody Hale, include the story The Man without a Country .

This American author, historian, and child prodigy exhibited extraordinary literary skills; Harvard University enrolled him at 13 years of age, and he graduated second in his class. Hale went to write for a variety of publications and periodicals throughout his lifetime.

He fathered author Edward Everett Hale Jr..

Reviews

[Walt Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

It amazes me that history changes so much in the minds of men. His story, told largely from his own writings a century ago, is of a far more balanced man than we are led to believe today. He had his flaws, as we all do, but that should not deter us from appreciation.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Christopher Columbus' exploration based mostly on the writings of Christopher Columbus as told by a fan in celebration of the 400th anniversary of sailing the ocean blue. Hale presents Columbus as an imperfect hero explorer doing the work of God. This is the story of Columbus that I learned in school -- one that presents Columbus' own words written to extol himself to his financiers as the truth in spite of raising some concerns about the accuracy of his reporting.

[Gen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't track the author's narrations too well. I'm not sure if it's because I had a digital version, too ignorant of that era, or what, but it was arduous and painful trying to track events. Additionally, there are few direct quotes from Columbus, or his peer's, diaries to give evidence of Columbus' "unadulterated by time" character/personality.

[Dougel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography

Appears to be factually accurate , even if some things like kidnapping and forced servitude are told simply like took some natives . interesting account and expanded my knowledge of the man and his dealings.

[Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good work which, using primary sources, dispels certain myths about Columbus, a complicated historical figure. Recommended for students of history and a good read.