The Library of Explorers and Exploration(tm) Primary sources make these fascinating books unique. The titles in this visually stunning new biography series will provide middle school readers with an understanding of each explorer's life and achievements. Primary source documents such as journal entries, maps, and letters supplement engaging and detailed prose to explain the voyages and the impact they had on society and history. Richly illustrated with full-color maps, paintings, and other relevant images, this series offers a full-bodied portrait of noteworthy explorers and the period in which they lived. This series supports the social studies curriculum for: European exploration of the Americas; People, places and environment Christopher Columbus: Most students know the basic facts about the voyages of Christopher Columbus, but this biography of his life isolates his lesser-known characteristics, such as his boastful nature and obsessive drive to reach the West Indies. It also chronicles the events leading to his eventual fall from grace in the court of Spain. Lengthy captions and primary source material reveal detailed facts about the explorer, his thoughts, and his first impressions of the New World. This is an illuminating book that enlivens a familiar history.