Learn More about the Life and History of Christopher Columbus

Celebrate Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples Day as some people prefer to call it these days) by learning more about the explorer Christopher Columbus, with these Classics from Cosimo and decide for yourself how controversial he was.

The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Two Volumes in One) by Washington Irving

Inspired by the then-recent unearthing of original documents and letters of Christopher Columbus, the American writer Washington Irving set about, in the 1820s, to create the first unlimited and complete account of the great explorer and his journeys. This is that account, sweeping in its scope, as intimate as a novel, as thrilling as a grand adventure story. Originally written in two volumes but presented here in a combined edition, The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus tells of Columbus' three journeys to the New World, shipwrecks and mutinies, encounters with natives, and his establishment of military outposts in the Americas. With a dedication to historical accuracy combined with a flair for engaging storytelling, Irving bestows upon us one of the classic works of history of the Age of Exploration. 

Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus by Washington Irving

As a follow-up to his History of Columbus, this 1831 work by Washington Irving details the voyages of the men who accompanied Columbus and followed in his wake, fulfilling his dream of further exploring the land he had encountered. The dashing tales of Alonzo de Ojeda, Vincente Pinzon, Diego de Nicuesa, and Vasco Núñez de Balboa are presented here for readers as both historical records and adventurous entertainment. History buffs will be delighted to learn about the lives of these important explorers.

Life of Columbus by Arthur Helps

The Life of Columbus has been called the cornerstone of the history of the American continent. The first issue of this edition, which appeared in 1910, vividly recreates the moral and intellectual atmosphere of Columbus's world. A lasting biography of thoughtfulness and scope, it encompasses Columbus's formative years including his life in Spain and a fascinating account of his earliest voyages of discovery. In addition, Sir Arthur Helps examines Columbus's role as the courageous "Discoverer of America" in light of his devoted and unwavering support of the Catholic Church in Spain and its flourishing influence in the Americas.

Christopher Columbus' ship, the Santa Maria, Possibly Found Near Haiti

"In fourteen hundred ninety-two

Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He had three ships and left from Spain;

He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.

He sailed by night; he sailed by day;

He used the stars to find his way."

More than 500 years ago, Christopher Columbus made his first expedition to North America with three ships, Santa Maria, Pinta and Santa Clara. Around Christmas in 1492, Columbus and his crew encountered a storm and had to abandon the Santa Maria after it hit reefs and began to sink. 

The location of the ship was unknown, and has since been missing, until undersea explorer and archaeologist Barry Clifford announced the possible discovery of the ship in waters off of Haiti's coast. If true, this could quickly turn out to be the most important underwater discovery ever. Clifford was able to combine information from Christopher Columbus’ diary and data from discoveries made by other archaeologists looking for the ship to chart where the ship might possibly be.

Possible Santa Maria remains (source: Brandon Clifford)

“The Haitian government has been extremely helpful – and we now need to continue working  with them to carry out a detailed archaeological excavation of the wreck,” Clifford told the Independent.




Clifford is the author of numerous excavation books, the star of several documentaries, and is best known for discovering the remains of the wrecked ship Whydah in 1984.


Read more about Columbus' many journeys, life in Spain, ship adventures, and the discovery of America and other lands in Cosimo's titles:

- Life of Columbus by Arthur Helps

- Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus by Washington Irving

- The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus by Washington Irving (available as two separate or volumes or one combined set)