The Life of Columbus From His Own Letters and Journals and Other Documents of His Time

"The Life of Columbus" by Edward Everett Hale is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work centers on the life and voyages of Christopher Columbus, delving into his early life, motivations, and the ambitious undertakings that led him to become the famous explorer known for his encounters with the Americas in 1492. The opening of the book provides a detailed context on Columbus’s life before his historic journey, including his birth in Genoa, education, and early maritime experiences. It outlines Columbus’s aspirations to find a westward route to Asia, discussing his interactions with various monarchs and noblemen in his quest for funding and support for his voyages. Hale emphasizes Columbus's determination and intellect, setting the stage for his eventual discovery of the New World, which is hinted at but not yet revealed in this initial section. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward Everett Hale was an American author, historian, and Unitarian minister, best known for his writings such as "The Man Without a Country", published in Atlantic Monthly, in support of the Union during the Civil War. He was the grand-nephew of Nathan Hale, the American spy during the Revolutionary War.