
audiobook
by Filson Young
Produced by David Widger
In this vivid retelling, listeners are whisked back to the bustling courts of late‑15th‑century Portugal, where a determined navigator presents a daring venture to a newly crowned monarch. Christopher Columbus, far from a dreamer of small schemes, frames his ambition as a grand, practical enterprise that promises both wealth and spiritual triumph. The narrative captures the tense atmosphere of a royal audience, where the idea of sailing west into the unknown must be justified with hard numbers and persuasive rhetoric.
The story also follows Columbus’s inner circle—his brother Bartholomew, the seasoned cosmographer Martin Behaim, and learned physicians Rodrigo and Joseph—who help turn a lofty vision into a credible proposal. Their combined expertise in astronomy, mechanics, and trade equips Columbus with the facts he selectively weaves into his case, appealing to the king’s desire for new routes and riches. Listeners will feel the tension of a man navigating both science and court politics, laying the groundwork for the voyage that would reshape history.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (129K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Dec 5, 2004
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1876–1938
A restless, wide-ranging writer, Filson Young moved effortlessly from war reporting and musical criticism to motoring, aviation, broadcasting, and the sea. His 1912 book Titanic was the first full-length account of the disaster, published just 37 days after the ship sank.
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