Did people in the Middle Ages really believe the Earth was flat? Was Columbus the first European to reach the New World? Were European explorers really treated like gods by the indigenous peoples they encountered? You probably think you know the answers to these questions, but sometimes textbooks don't tell the whole truth. This book takes a deep dive into the Age of Exploration, separating myth from reality. Grade-appropriate text is supported by full-color photographs, while fact boxes, sidebars, and timelines provide additional information and historical context.

This is a primary source collection of narratives about the travel and discovery in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe in the 16th century.

Discovery The Age of Exploration: Tales of Adventure and Discovery from the High Seas

Inventing Americans in the Age of Discovery analyzes the linguistic, rhetorical, and literary innovations that emerged out of the first encounters between Europeans and indigenous peoples of the Americas. Through analysis of six texts, Michael Householder demonstrates the role of language in forming the identities or characters that permitted Europeans (English speakers, primarily) to adapt to the unusual circumstances of encounter. Arranged chronologically, the texts examined include John Mandeville's Travels, Richard Eden's English-language translations of the accounts of Spanish and Portuguese discovery and conquest, George Best's account of Martin Frobisher's voyages to northern Canada, Ralph Lane's account of the abandonment of Roanoke, John Smith's writings about Virginia, and John Underhill's account of the Pequot War. Through his analysis, Householder reveals that English colonists did not share a universal, homogenous view of indigenous Americans as savages, but that the writers, confronted by unfamiliar peoples and situations, resorted to a mixed array of cultural beliefs, myths, and theories, to put together workable explanations of their experiences, which then became the basis for how Europeans in the colonies began transforming themselves into Americans. .

Christopher Columbus: The Untold Story of Discovery and Controversy Dive into Christopher Columbus's intricate and often controversial life with "Christopher Columbus: The Untold Story of Discovery and Controversy." This compelling book explores the many facets of Columbus’s legacy, providing a comprehensive look at his voyages, motivations, and profound impact on the Indigenous peoples he encountered. This book takes readers on a journey from Columbus's early life in Genoa, through his daring expeditions across the Atlantic, to the lasting effects of his discoveries. While widely known as the explorer who connected Europe and the Americas, Columbus's story is much more complex, filled with ambition, faith, and unintended consequences. Utilizing primary sources, including Columbus's journals and accounts from his crew, this work also includes Indigenous narratives that highlight the diverse perspectives often overlooked in traditional histories. It critically examines Columbus's legacy, questioning the hero narratives and shedding light on the darker chapters of his story, including exploitation, the spread of diseases, and the controversial celebration of Columbus Day. "Christopher Columbus: The Untold Story of Discovery and Controversy" is essential for anyone interested in the nuanced history of exploration and its enduring effects on our world. This book invites readers to explore a more comprehensive understanding of Columbus, offering a balanced view that respects the voices of all those impacted by his voyages. Perfect for: History enthusiasts, educators, students, and anyone interested in the complex narratives of the Age of Discovery and its legacy.

Embark on a thrilling voyage through the Age of Discovery with "The Age of Discovery: Navigating the World's Great Explorations." Delve into a pivotal era that reshaped our world as European powers sought new trade routes to the Orient. From the daring voyages across vast oceans to the conquests of distant lands, this book captures the essence of exploration. Follow in the footsteps of iconic figures like Christopher Columbus and Hernando Cortez as they navigated the unknown, driven by the pursuit of riches and empire. Through a blend of captivating primary sources and insightful analysis, uncover the profound impact of these expeditions on modern civilization. From the subjugation of native peoples to the acquisition of riches, witness the complexities of this transformative age. "The Age of Discovery" offers a compelling journey through history that illuminates the enduring legacy of exploration. Prepare to set sail on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of one of humanity's most fascinating epochs.