Christopher Columbus Book Review Examples

The main idea of the book was providence. Christopher Columbus was a man who believed his path to the new world one destined by God. Even in the face of obstacles and dire circumstance, Christopher Columbus remained convinced that his voyage, and discovery of a new people was pre-ordained by God as his purpose. It was providence that led him to embark on a journey across the world against odds of success. It was providence that led him to rule the new world with an iron-fist, believing that his treatment of the natives was part of a divine plan.
Although there have been many books written on Christopher Columbus, Ernie Bradford spends less time on Columbus’ journey itself than his personality. The first instance of Columbus’ providential belief that he was destined to embark on his journey for the new world was his insistence in the face of rejection. The Spanish Crown denied money to fund his trip numerous times, but believing that his trip was a matter of destiny, he was persistent. Rather than seek other methods of funding, he remained insistent that no one but the Crown itself would be the proper financial backing. This shows that even in the face of failure he believed that his trip was so important and destined that the Spanish Crown should fund it.
Another way that Columbus’ providence is shown in how he treated the natives. Those under him, as well as some detractors back home, were critical of how he treated the natives. However, Columbus thought that God backed his voyage. The author shows this in the examples of how Columbus rationalized his decisions based on his religiosity. For example, Columbus was appointed the viceroy of the Indies and was accused of being tyrannical in his rule. They gave details of the heinous ways that he treated natives, such as cutting off body parts in exchange for theft. He rationalized his treatment of the natives when he was questioned by judicial Crown figures as part of his mission to civilize and Christianize the native people. Therefore, he again rationalized his treatment of that natives according to his ideas that he was chosen by God to find, rule, and Christianize the new world.
The book was an interesting insight into the life of Christopher Columbus beyond the typical narrative that focuses only on his journey and glorious discovery of the new world. It in fact shows that Columbus was very sinister toward the natives and this was animated by his belief that he was doing God’s work. Although the author does a great job of bringing to light an aspect of Columbus not usually taught in schools, at times he too easily accepts that Columbus was just a pious Christian, without probing further into whether Columbus was using his Christianity toward his own gains. The book was enjoyable to read. The author wrote well and focused on the personality of Columbus, which really brought him to life. Rather than just focus on the journey of Columbus, or what he found in the new world , he focused on what made Columbus act how he did and what were his motivations. I would recommend this book to anyone who has previously learned about Columbus because it will change many of the commonly taught ideas found in schools. I would also recommend it because the reader will come away with a better understanding of Columbus the person, and not Columbus as he is taught commonly.