This illustrated edition by the French Sorbonne Professor Jean-Paul Duviols is conceived to reveal the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the New World by discussing the Diary of the First Voyage as well as the writings relating to the three ensuing voyages of the most celebrated mariner of modern times. These testimonies are brought into a human perspective by including the facts that essentially affected the life of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea, the long and difficult preparation of an endeavor considered utopian, the harsh conditions of the four voyages, his motivations, itineraries, adventures and discoveries. Discoveries that included a new humanity and the first steps of adding a whole New World that was meant to provoke unprecedented changes in the destiny of mankind. Summary: Biographical data; Who «discovered» the New World?; Christopher Columbus' «obsession»; Christopher Columbus' «messianism»; The pursuit of gold and spices; Christopher Columbus' nautical science and expertise; The mythical creatures; The «earthly paradise» ; The Indians