Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Tony Horwitz has presented what could be described as a guide for those who are historically ignorant of the "lost century" between the first voyage of Columbus and the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. Despite his undergraduate degree in history, Horwitz includes himself in that group. In this informative, whimsical, and thoroughly enjoyable account, Horwitz describes the exploits of various explorers and conquistadores and enriches the stories with his own experiences when visiting some of the lands they "discovered." He recounts the Viking settlement of "Vinland" and then visits Newfoundland. He offers a balanced view of Columbus' personality and accomplishments, placing him within the context of an epoch of great maritime innovation. He follows in the footsteps of Cabeza de Vaca, whose amazing wanderings across the southwest began when he was shipwrecked off the Gulf Coast of Texas. Coronado's trek in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola is viewed as combining elements of farce and tragedy. As always, Horwitz writes in a breezy, engaging style, so this combination of popular history and travelogue will be ideal for general readers.Copyright 2008 Booklist Reviews.
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