This historical biography looks at Columbus and the times in which he lived. 1992 is the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America and this book is the accompanying volume for a seven-part BBC TV series of the same name. The book shows how Columbus came to symbolize both the spirit of heroism and the costs of colonization and follows his progress from journeyman mariner to discoverer of America. The book covers all of his voyages and their effects on the world of his time and the years that followed, together with the scientific and technological developments they foretold. Setting sail on replicas of Columbus's ships, the author combines actual experience with archive material to create a living history of explorations.