On a spring morning in 1506, a sick and debt-ridden Christopher Columbus died far from the glory he once dreamed of, ending a life that had reshaped the world's map but left him feeling unfulfilled. This book revisits his complex story, moving beyond the polarized images of hero or villain. It blends fresh scholarship with vivid storytelling to show Columbus's ambitions, contradictions, triumphs, and tragedies. It’s designed for students, teachers, and curious readers alike, weaving indigenous perspectives and historical context into a lively narrative. Through twelve chapters, readers will sail with Columbus, witness the impact on native peoples, and confront the darker sides of exploration. Rather than offering easy judgment, it encourages readers to reflect on timeless questions about ambition, discovery, and morality. In understanding Columbus's layered legacy, the book hopes to spark deeper thinking about the promises and perils of human exploration today.
