- log/diary entries by Christopher Columbus during his oceanic journey westward in the Santa Maria
- introduction explains the lack of an original document and how this version came about
- convo: mentions “expelling the Jews” without detail, images show (at a distance) nondescript outlines of naked sailors jumping in for a swim, mentions the natives were “as naked as when their mothers bore them,” mentions capturing a few natives to take back to Spain
- simple black & white illustrations are attractive and helpful, including a neat map in the back
Type: illustrated chapter book
Ages: 8-15
Author: Christopher Columbus
Illustrator: John O’Hara Cosgrave II
Beginning with a letter to the King and Queen of Spain (who gave him the three ships and men for the journey), Columbus lays out his purpose of the forthcoming log. There are a few setbacks, as the first entries show, and then the large team of men are officially off into uncharted waters.
Each entry is quite short and matter-of-fact. Readers will feel the monotony but also the excitement when various things are spotted which indicate land is nearby (like certain types of birds).
I personally appreciated the honor given God on occasion. Columbus quotes the Admiral who spoke of the Lord freely. For example:
“…I trust in that high God in whose hands are all victories, we very soon shall sight land.”
“For if it please God…”
“Many thanks be to God.”
Overall, it’s a well-designed book and gives readers a neat glimpse into history. It also includes some pictures of original woodcuts that accompanied Columbus’s initial report. I recommend it.