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Library Journal Review

The quincentennial observation of the European encounter with America brings forth these titles, each different in approach to traditional but newly sensitive controversies. The three authors agree that, at the very least, Columbus was an extraordinary mariner whose efforts linked two civilizations with profound effects. At the same time they do not excuse his personal role in initiating the enslavement and destruction of the indigenous populations. Taviani provides a popular and highly readable distillation of his voluminous scholarly studies. He includes but goes well beyond the standard documentary sources, retracing the voyages and visiting the scattered locations known to Columbus. What emerges is an admiring portrait of an inspired innovator. Driven mostly by lofty motives, Columbus's original ``grand design'' of reaching East by sailing West comes about through years of nautical experience and canny observation. Fernandez-Armesto offers a short scholarly biography that specifically shuns any evidence except a skeptical consideration of Columbus's own writings. His picure is of a man whose primary motivations were riches and social advancement and who, far from having a unique vision, merely shared in contemporary thinking. Such contrary opinions are endemic to Columbus's perplexing personality, depending on the documentation one accepts and the shifting perspective and needs of the present. Wilford, in his enthralling ``story of the story of Columbus,'' explains why this is so and skillfully guides the general reader through centuries of interpretation as well as the ongoing puzzles: Where did Columbus first land? What did he think he discovered? Where is he buried? This and Taviani's study make an excellent introduction, and both are highly recommended for most collections. Fernandez-Armesto's book is a good choice for the larger academic library. Wilford's book was previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/91; all three were previewed in ``Rediscovering Columbus,'' LJ 8/91, p. 120-122.-- William F. Young, SUNY at Albany Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Wilford sifts through 500 years of legend, history and social theory to successfully tell ``the story of the story of Columbus.'' Illustrations. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal Review

YA-- A highly readable overview of the Columbus story, as seen from the Middle Ages to the present. Wilford tells what little is known of Columbus's life, and also puts the discoveries in context. He examines the varying attitudes toward the explorer through the centuries, reaching the conclusion that the truth lies somewhere between the adulation of 100 years ago and the present disparagement by Native American groups. Thoughtfully written and hard to put down. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.