Samuel Eliot Morison in this small volume for the subject, just under 800 pages, gathers material from 'The European Discovery of America: The Northern Voyages, A.D. 500-1600' and 'The European Discovery of America: The Southern Voyages, A.D. 1492-1616' to describe for us the arrival of Columbus, Drake, Magellan, and many others. The size of the book makes for a handy reference book for those who are studying these voyages or for those who want an overview of them. This abridgement of his great works is also filled with illustrations and maps. His research and knowledge of this material is made obvious. This is a well-written book that will be appreciated by any reader. The author is able to convey the motives, bravery and experiences of these early voyages that led to the discovery of the New World. ( )