A highly readable and controversial portrait of a man driven by religion, influenced by mysticism, and, at best, a primitive navigator who barely knew how to use his ship"s instruments. A pre-eminent historian calls into question earlier findings by himself and other scholars. With a new introduction and updates that reassess Columbus"s skills, motivations, and beliefs--placing him firmly in the context of his own time. "...In a class of his own for serious scholarship."--Spectator.