Columbus: The Four Voyages Audiobook

" Fairly good. If you are a history buff this is a nice book to have in your collection. However, I loved Bergreen's Over The Edge Of The World and would recommend that book over both this and his Marco Polo bio. "

" This is a must read for any History student, old or new. I outlines the political storms that Columbus had to weather as rivals who played with the attitudes of the Monarchy and the Church as to Christopher Columbus. They continually tried to cultivate a belief that was a dreamer, an unschooled risk taker and an undisciplined sailor who did not work toward the advantage of Spain and the Monarchy. Columbus overcame jealousy, greed, insurrection, barbarism, egotism, religion, political intrigues and much more surrounding his four voyages. Fighting and maneuvering during his absences from Spain, which were long, worked to his disadvantage and confrontation of those who were made opinionated during his long absences caused his great problems and physical and mental distress when he return home. In need of rest he found bitter conflict and insult instead of reward. High Admiral to prisoner to high Admiral, Columbus was always in a whirlwind at sea or on land. Savant to idiot to Savant opinions changed continuously. In the opinions of the Spanish, Portuguese and Italians opinion on Columbus was based upon self interest of the evaluating party. The Portuguese and Italians saw him as a threat to their prospects in the New World. The Spanish cavaliers saw him as a threat to money and power. They all worked to crush this simple Man. Columbus always believed that he had found the East and went to his grave with this idea in his heart. He was the protector of all he found and watched with horror at the mistreatment of the natives the Spanish encountered. After putting the New World in the hands of Spain his rewards were modest and at times punitive as compared to those of the cruel conquistadors that amassed fortunes for their finds of gold and money from their dealings in the Slave Trade. The subject matter of the book is a compilation of adventures, sadness, intrigue and a very good history of the man who is credited now with the discovery of America and the times he lived in.conquistadors Read it. "

" After reading Bergreen's Over the Edge and absolutely loving it, I looked forward to reading more of his work, starting with Columbus. I felt this book was very different and it took me a long time to work through it. It is almost entirely a narrative, telling the story from beginning to end, where Over the Edge was broken up with various related topics of interest. This made me a bit disappointed with Columbus, thus the three stars. However, it was clearly well-researched and thorough. I learned a ton about these supremely important set of voyages (including the unfortunate realization that the remains I visited in Sevilla were possibly NOT his actual remains, oh well!). I will continue to look for works by Bergreen written in the style of Over the Edge. "

" I learned much about Columbus, his discoveries, his voyages, his troubles. It was an interesting book. "

" I have read a handful of books on Columbus. Including his travel narratives. What I really enjoyed about this book is that the author was able to offer valuable insight to the reader as far as what may have been going on during the journal passages. Very informative. "

" Fascinating read on one of history's most enigmatic characters. "

" He faced starvation, mutiny, imprisonment, betrayal. He was greedy, maladroit, cruel, vainglorious. An endlessly fascinating about Columbus as more than just an explorer -- but as a leader, a subject, a politician, an extractor of wealth, a canny survivor. "

" It was OK. Seemed a bit choppy. Over the Edge of the World is much better written. "

" By this time in my reading about things Columbus, I do realize there were four voyages and something about each one. Very shocking on voyage number three he made the return trip in shackles and on voyage number four, he was stranded for a year in Jamaica. "

" I did not know that Columbus made four (4) voyages! The politics of the Spanish Court were just like today! Backstabbing and betrayal. "

" Interesting, worth reading just to see how lucky Columbus was. "

" Great book. Couldnt put it down! "

" I'm sure it was just me, but this book just didn't capture my attention. It felt a little too much like reading a textbook to me and I eventually gave up on it. "

" I was excited to read this book after "Over the Edge...", although I learned a great deal of information about the voyages, I felt it was choppy and shifty. "

" I can't belive the ratings people gave this. I found this book amazing. Learned so much about Columbus I never new. It read very easily as well. Come on people. "

" Thorough and detailed, and for those reasons a little slow-going at times. Nonetheless, Bergreen writes clearly and gives context to the human drama surrounding Columbus' explorations. "

" An enlightening epic that offers the real truth on the stumbling yet determined Columbus. Not what you learned in grade school...almost hard to believe it all possible. "

" Fairly good. If you are a history buff this is a nice book to have in your collection. However, I loved Bergreen's Over The Edge Of The World and would recommend that book over both this and his Marco Polo bio. "

" Enjoyed reading about the voyages of Columbus. It is well written,interesting,and encourages you to continue reading. "

" I can't belive the ratings people gave this. I found this book amazing. Learned so much about Columbus I never new. It read very easily as well. Come on people. "