THE VOYAGES OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS Vol. I

An account of the four busy voyages of the great Italian with traditional treatment. All the old familiar scenes are here-Isabella dramatically unclasps her necklace to pledge for funds, Columbus ""balances"" an egg for the Court and the Court titters with mirth as the stranger describes a spherical earth. The seldom-heard account of the subsequent events, after the landing in San Salvador, are fascinating however:--the search for gold and the Grand Khan of India; the desertion of Martin Alonzo of the Pinta; the first Spanish settlement, ""La Navidad"" at ""Hispaniola"" wiped out by Indians; the founding of ""Isabella"", the second settlement, where Columbus' command was replaced by scheming competitors; the dramatic adventures of the third voyage when he was imprisoned at the colony, now split and at war; and the tragic last voyage--near shipwreck, grudging rescue at Hispaniola, and the return home, broken and sick, but never conquered in spirit. The narrative, paced by these remarkable events, picks up speed toward the end but the emasculated D Mille period dialogue, with which at least half the book is burdened, slows the action to a walk.