
audiobook
by Filson Young
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
2004-12-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1876–1938
Best remembered for publishing one of the earliest books on the Titanic disaster, this energetic journalist also reported from war zones, wrote fiction and essays, and worked in broadcasting as the BBC was taking shape.
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