The Enemies of Christopher Columbus: Answers to Critical Questions About the Spread of Western Civilization

by Thomas A. Bowden

In recent years, the enemies of Christopher Columbus have succeeded in damaging, if not demolishing, his historical reputation. Today, Columbus is seen not as a hero but as an inept sailor turned brutal conqueror, and his voyage is taught as the opening assault in a genocidal campaign by cruel imperialists bent on exterminating the peaceful natives who inhabited an idyllic wilderness in harmony with the environment. In this highly controversial book, Thomas Bowden challenges all of these assumptions. As he says in his introductory comments, "The real victim of the incessant attacks on Christopher Columbus is Western civilization itself."

Genres: History, Philosophy, Nonfiction

148 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most amateurish attempts to publish a history book I have ever seen. It is not even a real history book. It is just a series of Q’s and A’s in giant font with substandard documentation and citations. I wanted this to be so much more, and I was very disappointed. Instead of the solid defense of Columbus I was looking for it is little more than a diatribe about why Western Civilization is superior to that if Native Americans. It borders on racism. No one could get away with publishing this today. A bitter disappointment and a complete waste of money. I would give it a zero, if I could.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly logical and well-organized book; it's more of an argumentative essay that rationalizes, supports, and guides the reader through the importance of Columbus's discovery to Western culture and thus the free world.