Grade 4-6-- An edited version of Columbus's own journal of his first voyage. Using Robert H. Fuson's The Log of Christopher Columbus , the Roops provide a readable and fascinating glimpse into Columbus's thoughts as he coped with storms at sea, a fearful crew, and a treacherous subordinate. Since the log was intended for presentation to the King and Queen of Spain, it contains little about Columbus's personal life and few details of life aboard ship. It clearly shows the man's courage and his unswerving conviction that he could and did reach the Orient by sailing west. While his interest in obtaining gold for his sovereigns is readily apparent, there is no hint that it would later become an obsession that would drive him to exploit the Indians of whom he writes so warmly here. Hanson's excellent pen-and-ink drawings (one of which appears twice) are delicately watercolored in soft blues and golds and have a distant perspective that is appropriate for a subject whose appearance is not known and whose surroundings have been obscured by the passage of time. Many other good books about Columbus have been published recently, but because the Roops have given children an opportunity to read a first-hand account in a well-written, attractive volume, this book deserves serious consideration. --Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJ
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpts from Christopher Columbus's journal relate his discovery of the Caribbean islands, which he believed (then and to his death) to be the Indies. Direct and surprisingly accessible, the entries tell of storms and swells, discontent among the men, and many false and disheartening sightings of land before the ships at last come ashore. The Roops' selections give a sense of the strange fish and fowl, lush vegetation and friendly natives the Spaniards encounter; one has to dip only slightly beneath the surface of the text to perceive the disquieting beginnings of the Europeans' long exploitation of what was regarded as virgin territory, ripe for plunder. Cross-hatched ink drawings, overlaid with watercolor wash, provide a delicate but fresh flavor. This is far from a broad or comprehensive treatment of Columbus's voyages, and readers will need additional sources to put those voyages into context. But as a particularized account from a single but revealing vantage point, these excerpts make for engrossing reading. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Better World Books (https://www.BetterWorldBooks.com) is a for-profit, socially conscious business and a global online bookseller that collects and sells new and used books online, matching each purchase with a book donation. Each sale generates funds for literacy and education initiatives in the U.S., the UK, and around the world. Since its launch in 2003, Better World Books has raised $33 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 32 million books, and reused or recycled more than 397 million books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Better World Books Marketplace, Inc.
55740 Currant Road, Mishawaka, IN, 46545, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Better World Books (BWB) values your satisfaction and offers you returns within thirty (30) days after the estimated delivery date on most items. All returned items must be in the original condition; used items should include the SKU sticker located on the spine or back of the product.

If you have an incomplete, incorrect, or damaged shipment, please contact our Customer Care team via Abebooks contact seller options before proceeding with the return.Please keep in mind that because we deal mostl...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Please allow 1-2 business days for order fulfillment.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	3 to 5 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 10.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.