Review of Columbus, Slave Trader

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

History is a subject I find intriguing, though it’s becoming increasingly inaccurate, and I fear it may become extinct. It carries the weight of people’s experiences and should help us make better decisions for the future, although, in reality, people often quickly forget history. I agree with your view that Columbus is widely known as an explorer. I haven't seen the other side described in this book, where the author writes about Columbus as a slave trader. I look forward to gaining new perspectives and learning from history through this book. I enjoyed reading this insightful review. Congratulations to the author on BOTD.

[Sankar Guha]

This novel had been researched in depth with most of the facts being well proven and really considerate. Highly recommended read for the history knowledge. Congrats on BOTD!

[Huini Hellen]

Through this book, Marcus foregrounds the rush for mineral deposits in Africa by first European settlers in Africa. Thank you for your thorough review and summary of the book.

[mrlefty0706]

“Columbus, Slave Trader” by Marcus Wilson is a historical fiction but the author describes true events that happened in Hispaniola in 1493 – 1495. Columbus traveled over the Atlantic Ocean thinking he was going to find gold. Instead of finding very much gold he decides to start slave trading in the New World. While we were all taught that Columbus was an explorer but his role in slave trading is explored in this novel. Many European countries were involved in slave trading in America but the way Columbus and the Spanish Conquistadors treated the natives is clearly part of history. I wonder what would have happened if Columbus never sailed to the New World how history would have been written. If there had never been slaves in North America, would we have had a Civil War? Would we have the white supremacist problem today? I plan to read the entire book in the next few weeks.

[Sandeep Moses Arulnesan]

I have always looked at Columbus as an explorer who discovered America. Columbus as a slave trader is a completely new perspective to me. This book is a boon for historical book lovers. I am not into historical fiction, so I'll have to skip this book. Thanks for the review. Congrats on the BOTD!

[karan0701]

Rating :- 4.5 out of 5

"Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Rediker is an in-depth look at Christopher Columbus in his role of establishing the transatlantic slave trade. Historian Rediker details the deep history regarding Columbus's expeditions and their deep consequences within the indigenous populations of the Americas, which were basically two: the enslavement and exploitation of them.
Redikar places Columbus within the larger framework of European colonial ambitions and the new Atlantic slave trade. Rediker brings forth the economic and political motives behind Columbus's voyages, linking how they are transported on the efforts of getting rich and powerful with the subordination of native peoples.
The description the narrative gives is that Columbus himself was directly involved in capturing and shipping indigenous people to Europe as slaves.
Rediker himself delves deep into primary sources, even the writings of Columbus himself, trying to prove his involvement in and endorsement of the slave trade.
This brings into light the ruinous effects on native communities because of Columbus's expeditions that cause displacement, violence, and cultural dislocation and also relate these early acts to greater patterns of exploitation and genocide that followed European colonization.
Rediker gazes critically through the record of Columbus's legacy, carried off usually as heroic history, proposing an understanding of Columbus's impact that is nuanced.
Columbus, Slave Trader" begs the question of who our heroes really are and what values are displayed in choosing those specific people to memorialize..
The book is an academic work, formal in character. There are no foul words or blasphemy in the book. Rediker writes soberly and respectfully, with a view toward setting out historical facts and analysis, not sensationalism.
Altogether, "Columbus, Slave Trader" is a work that provokes thought, incisive, and opening to a window of critical view concerning a historical figure whose memory is frequently celebrated—usually without placing him in the greater context of all his actions and their consequences. In terms of historical scholarship, it is an extremely important work; in terms of understanding the complexities bequeathed by Columbus's legacy, it becomes a must-read.

[Soma Ezenwanne]

It is actually nice to be opportune to read about Admiral Columbus from a different perspective and I commend the author for a job well done.

[karan0701]

"Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Rediker is an in-depth look at Christopher Columbus's role in establishing the transatlantic slave trade. Historian Rediker details the deep history regarding Columbus's expeditions and their deep consequences within the indigenous populations of the Americas, which were basically two: the enslavement and exploitation of them.
Redikar places Columbus within the larger framework of European colonial ambitions and the new Atlantic slave trade. Rediker brings forth the economic and political motives behind Columbus's voyages, linking how they are transported to the efforts of getting rich and powerful with the subordination of native peoples. The description the narrative gives is that Columbus himself was directly involved in capturing and shipping indigenous people to Europe as slaves.
Rediker himself delves deep into primary sources, even the writings of Columbus himself, trying to prove his involvement in and endorsement of the slave trade. This brings into light the ruinous effects on native communities because of Columbus's expeditions that cause displacement, violence, and cultural dislocation and also relates these early acts to greater patterns of exploitation and genocide that followed European colonization.
Rediker gazes critically through the record of Columbus's legacy, carried off usually as heroic history, proposing an understanding of Columbus's impact that is nuanced. "Columbus, Slave Trader" begs the question of who our heroes really are and what values are displayed in choosing those specific people to memorialize. The book is an academic work, formal in character. There are no foul words or blasphemy in the book. Rediker writes soberly and respectfully, with a view toward setting out historical facts and analysis, not sensationalism.
Altogether, "Columbus, Slave Trader" is a work that provokes thought, is incisive, and opens a window of critical view concerning a historical figure whose memory is frequently celebrated—usually without placing him in the greater context of all his actions and their consequences. In terms of historical scholarship, it is an extremely important work; in terms of understanding the complexities bequeathed by Columbus's legacy, it becomes a must-read.

[Neha Panikar]

Thankyou for the review as it has piqued my interest! It'd be wonderful to uncover this side of Admiral Columbus, which is maybe fictional, or maybe lost in the pages of history. I'm excited to read this perspective! Looking forward to reading this book!!

[Slippy Spectrum]

A powerful and thought-provoking review! You've masterfully summarized the essence of 'Columbus, Slave Trader' by Marcus Wilson, highlighting its unique perspective on a controversial historical figure.

[Jennifer Coxon]

This is a piece of historical fiction with a different perspective, that of a Taino who was kidnapped by Columbus but has returned to his homeland. I appreciate the author's note upfront of what is fact and fiction. Normally this is only at the end.

[Boring Pigeon]

Your enthusiasm for the author's storytelling, the editor's expertise, and the book's overall impact is evident and well-justified. I completely agree with your 5-star rating and recommendation for history buffs and anyone interested in a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in history.

[Precious Anavheoba]

I think we need more books like this where more historically accurate accounts are given. Was Columbus really who he was portrayed to be in history books? I think historians should document the bad and good side of any person that is chosen to be written about.

[Igwe Ifeanyi]

I love reading historical fictions, and "Columbus Slave Trader" is no exception. The book describes what may have transpired at that time through the lenses of a native. I loved how the story started with a tensed situation, keeping me intriguing to the very end. The Tainos were really brave, and I was curious to read on how the handled every situation with Columbus and his men. Awesome read.

[Abraham Ozo]

Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson unveils the dark side of Columbus’s voyage through the eyes of Guarocuya, offering a historically accurate portrayal of his actions.