Christopher Columbus was an explorer known for his voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, documented notably in The Journal of Christopher Columbus. Though famous as a navigator, his primary writings recount journeys and discoveries rather than literary genres.
If you enjoy reading books by Christopher Columbus then you might also like the following authors:
Marco Polo was an adventurous explorer whose vivid accounts introduced readers to the wonders of the Far East. In his book The Travels of Marco Polo, he offers detailed descriptions of cultures, customs, and places previously unfamiliar to Europe.
Like Christopher Columbus, his narratives combine observation and a sense of curiosity, giving readers an appealing glimpse into distant lands.
Vasco da Gama was a bold Portuguese navigator known for opening the maritime route to India. His journeys are documented in works like A Journal of the First Voyage of Vasco da Gama, 1497–1499, which blends practical accounts of navigation with moments of tension and discovery.
Readers who appreciate Columbus's spirit of exploration will enjoy da Gama's straightforward yet fascinating reporting on maritime adventures.
Antonio Pigafetta accompanied Magellan on his historic circumnavigation of the globe, and his firsthand narrative, Magellan's Voyage Around the World, vividly documents this challenging and historic journey.
His style is both precise and descriptive, capturing the excitement and challenges encountered at sea and on land. Fans of Columbus who enjoy firsthand perspectives will find Pigafetta's account engaging and insightful.
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés documented his dramatic experiences in letters known collectively as Letters from Mexico. His narratives reveal a powerful desire for conquest and exploration, much like Columbus himself.
Readers interested in first-person accounts of discovery, politics, and encounters with indigenous peoples will appreciate Cortés's straightforward writing style and detailed descriptions.
Bernal Díaz del Castillo was a soldier and chronicler whose famous book, The True History of the Conquest of New Spain, describes the conquest of Mexico from a soldier's perspective.
Expressed in a direct, unembellished style, Díaz delivers vivid insights into battles, Indigenous societies, and the personal experiences of the Spanish soldiers.
Readers drawn to Columbus's blend of adventure, exploration, and human drama will find Díaz's narratives equally appealing.
Bartolomé de las Casas provides a different viewpoint from Columbus, portraying the harsh realities faced by indigenous peoples in the Americas. His writing is direct and passionate, urging readers toward compassion and justice.
A good starting point is his book A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, which exposes the abuses that accompanied Spanish colonization.
Amerigo Vespucci's style is clear and observant, painting vivid pictures of the New World's geography and cultures. He offers detailed accounts of his voyages, highlighting unique customs, animals, and landscapes he encountered.
Readers interested in early exploration narratives might enjoy his letters gathered in Mundus Novus, where he first describes America as a new continent separate from Asia.
Richard Hakluyt compiles and celebrates stories of English exploration, encouraging new voyages and colonization efforts. He writes clearly and persuasively to stimulate interest in travel, trade, and settlement.
His work The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques, and Discoveries of the English Nation remains a fascinating collection of exploration accounts, offering insight into early English ambitions.
Samuel de Champlain delivers detailed yet approachable accounts of exploration and settlement in North America. His writing often includes rich descriptions of landscapes and nuanced portrayals of interactions with indigenous peoples.
Readers interested in early Canada will appreciate Voyages of Samuel de Champlain, where he describes his journeys, maps unfamiliar lands, and establishes the first settlements of New France.
Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca focuses on personal experience and survival, sharing vivid narratives of hardship and cultural interaction in the unexplored territories of North America. His writing is straightforward, emphasizing the strength of human resilience and curiosity.
Readers will find La Relación an absorbing account of his shipwreck and unexpected journey on foot across the American Southwest, providing perspectives not found in typical conquest narratives.
John Smith was an English explorer whose writings vividly recount his adventures in early colonial America. His style mixes storytelling with practical observations about exploration and settlement.
Smith often describes the challenges and discoveries he faced, emphasizing his courage and adaptability.
In his book The Generall Historie of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles, Smith provides first-hand accounts that capture the gritty realities of establishing Jamestown, making his work appealing to anyone interested in the age of exploration.
Sir Walter Raleigh was a versatile English explorer and writer who skillfully mixed history with his personal experiences. His style is elegant yet accessible, reflecting on exploration’s promise and risks.
In his notable work The Discovery of Guiana, Raleigh describes his ambitious journey into what is now Venezuela, vividly depicting both the landscapes and the challenges he confronted.
Readers intrigued by exploration’s excitement and mystery will greatly enjoy Raleigh’s vivid narratives.
Peter Martyr d'Anghiera was an Italian historian and writer who chronicled early European voyages to the New World. His clear, informative writing style emphasizes the curiosity and wonder of exploration.
In his compilation De Orbe Novo, he documents significant voyages, including Columbus’s discoveries, with precision and detail.
Martyr portrays exploration from Europe's perspective, offering compelling insight into how early discoveries sparked widespread interest in unknown lands and cultures.
Garcilaso de la Vega, el Inca, was born in Peru of mixed Spanish and Inca heritage, providing him with a unique perspective on both European and indigenous cultures.
His style combines detailed historical information with personal reflection, showing deep respect and understanding towards his native heritage.
His work Royal Commentaries of the Incas preserves Incan history and traditions, highlighting the blend of cultures created by Spanish colonization.
Readers interested in seeing the exploration era from the viewpoint of native peoples and mixed heritage perspectives would find his writings enlightening.
Hans Staden was a German soldier and explorer whose writings vividly portray his dramatic experiences in Brazil. His writing is direct, detailed, and intensely personal, conveying the dangers as well as the wonder of exploration.
In his notable book True History: An Account of Cannibal Captivity in Brazil, Staden recounts how he was captured by indigenous tribes, bringing readers closely into his intense and often perilous situation.
Anyone fascinated by the reality of encountering new cultures in the age of exploration will find Staden’s narrative intriguing and informative.