Columbus Reports on
Discoveries of Island
of India
Christopher Columbus
Epistola de insulis nuper inventis
Printed letter, Rome: 1493
Rare Book & Special Collections
Division
Purchased, 1946
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In 1493, Columbus wrote a brief report concerning
his discoveries of "Islands of India beyond the Ganges." It was
intended as a public notice to announce his discoveries and to
garner support for another voyage. The first edition of this letter
was printed in Spanish in Barcelona in April 1493. Within the
month a Latin translation of the letter was published in Rome
by Stephan Plannck. In its preamble, exclusive credit was given
to Fernando of Aragon for supporting the expedition -- omitting
Isabel's support. Immediately Plannck published a corrected edition,
the one on display, and it was this Latin edition that spread
the news of discovery throughout Europe.
Additional Views:
In Latin:
Page 1,
2, 3,
4, 5,
6, 7,
8
Translated to English:
Page 1,
2, 3,
4, 5,
6, 7
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