" 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. "
— Joe, 2/12/2014