Christopher Columbus: Admiral Of The Ocean Sea

With the 500th anniversary of Big Chris's landmark voyage looming on the horizon, the media world is gearing up for the characteristic overkill. The multi-part PBS series on Columbus is currently airing, two major motion pictures have been announced for release next year, and we can probably expect to see more than a handful of independent short films on the world's most famous sailor wending their way into the video pipeline over the next year. Christopher Columbus: Admiral of the Ocean Sea presents a colorful overview of Columbus' life and times. Beginning with a look at the house Columbus was believed to grow up in, the program outlines what's known of his early years (interestingly, although there are many portraits extant of Columbus, none exists that are actually drawn from his likeness). The greatest attention is given to Columbus's four voyages to and around the New World, and to speculations concerning his balancing of country, God, family, gold, and slave trading. In the weakest section of the program, a group of Columbus scholars sit and engage in armchair debate about various aspects of Columbus' character. Good use of graphics, and strong production values overall make this a fine introduction to Columbus. Libraries merely need to decide whether they want to be in for a penny or a pound. If you're looking for a brief video biography, this will serve; if you're looking fro something more comprehensive, you may want to wait for the PBS series to appear on video. Recommended. (Available from: Omnigraphics, Inc., Penobscot Bldg., Detroit, MI 48226; 1-800-234-1340.)