To America and Around the World: The Logs of Christopher Columbus and of Ferdinand Magellan [Paperback]

Adolph Caso (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

This book contains the daily logs kept by Columbus -- himself, and by Magellan's scribe, Antonio Pigafetta, on their fateful voyages to the unknown Americas and, subsequently around the world. These voyages, of exploration and of discovery, have unequivocally changed and impacted on the western world like no other event except for the advent of Jesus Christ. The logs herewith are the first translation into English, and read like any modern adventure stories such as 'Around the World in 80 Days'. It also contains essays by Adolph Caso and Marco Giacomelli. Caso takes on the polemics surrounding the persona of Columbus -- especially the issues of Leif Ericson -- with the forged Vinland Map; of Columbus' 'Jewishness' -- with the claims that Columbus secretly worked for his Jewish brothers to find a Jewish state in the New World; and whether America should have a 'Columbus Day'. Giacomelli, on the other hand, tells the story of how America got its name.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Adolpho Caso

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Branden Books (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0828320632
• ISBN-13: 978-0828320634
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,848,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History that makes reading a real pleasure., October 23, 2001

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To America and Around the World: The Logs of Christopher Columbus and of Ferdinand Magellan (Paperback)

I have always been a huge history fan and learning about the things that happened so long ago has always fascinated me. Finding out what really happened makes history more exciting and thin book is a perfect example of this.

Caso captures the essence of both Columbus and Magellan and puts together a book that in some parts makes you feel like you sailing with both explorers. The book is a record the logs that were kept during the explorations.

From the beginning to the very end the reading is informative, enlightening and interesting. While this book is written for the history buffs, I think that everyone will enjoy what is inside this new world reading.

Overall I finished the reading in less than 3 hours and enjoyed every minute, I would hope that pother books like this would follow. Well done and well written

5.0 out of 5 stars Original Logs of Columbus/Magellan Give Readers the Thrill of Exploration!, September 13, 2010

By 

Glenda A Bixler "Glenda" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: To America and Around the World: The Logs of Christopher Columbus and of Ferdinand Magellan (Paperback)

I have learned one important fact about the books written and published by Adolph Caso--you always get more than you expected! I was all prepared to read the original logs from Christopher Columbus and Magellan, only to open the book to find an extensive research effort reviewing the controversy in the media and by scholars regarding whether Columbus was indeed the first to reach the Americas...

And then the naming of America, written by Marco Giacomelli, was provided, and I found I was smiling after reading the documented essay to read, "The name America was, therefore, born by chance. Amerigo cannot be blamed for the fact that he was not in any related to this baptism." (p. 105)

You know, learning about history can be fun when it is presented in an honest, open way...and as it actually was first written!

Another thing I've learned when I get into one of Adolfo's books is that I find I want to discuss what I'm reading. Now I was as fascinated as you will be when you read the daily log that begins on Friday, 3rd of August:

We departed...in the year 1492, from the bar of Saltes, at 8 o'clock, and proceeded with a strong sea breeze until sunset, towards the south, for 60 miles, equal to 15 leagues; afterwards S.W. and W.S.W., which was the course for the Canaries. (p. 111)

The log is presented chronologically, with many details about weather, sailing, and concerns for the condition of the ship; e.g., the rudder of the Pinta caused problems as early as August 6th! An interesting part for me was their "reading" of the signs of approaching land; e.g., seeing birds or having grass or herbs floating on the water. But what was most exciting was the actual response of the crew members when the lands were finally being explored. Each site was proclaimed to be the most beautiful...until the next was seen. For many of us who have traveled into these same lands, we expected what we would see due to pictures--but imagine what it would have been like to be from Spain or Portugal and knowing it was the first time anybody had ever seen it from their homelands!

When people were found, "I saw and knew that these people are without any religion, not idolaters, but very gentle..." but, however, they "believe and know that there is a God in heaven, and say that we have come from heaven..." (p. 150) Thus, through sign language and a beginning of talking, they began to barter, calling the individuals Indians because they still did not know they were discovering new lands!

It was on the 10th of August, 1519, when Magellan began his voyage. The story of this great event was maintained by Antonio Pigafetta and is written almost in the form of a novel, broken into three books. Many more details are included therefore and readers will see and realize what has happened during the last decade. While noting that no other explorers had been brave enough to set sail until five years after the return of Columbus, readers will see that there apparently has been much trade during the following years and that those native to the lands had become quite organized in their bartering and trading activities. Still, it was quite common for the trading to favor those on the ships who came with cheap glass necklaces, bells, and small mirrors, to receive gold or precious spices in return.

There is no way that you can read this book--the logs of Columbus and Magellan and not feel the excitement and wonder of exploring (and naming) everything and every place that they visited, meeting people that thought you were from heaven since they had never seen anybody like you, and knowing that you were the very first of your country to have seen what you had seen! Yes, History buffs, will want this for their permanent library; however, those who enjoy adventure stories just might find this book presents the biggest adventure they've ever read...and it's real! Cool, right? Highly recommended!

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G. A. Bixler