Books for the Teenage Reader: Coping with Harsh Realities: The Novels of Chris Crutcher

American Identity and Origins: Columbus in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Schools

“…"lS According to Irving, the discovery of America was not only divinely inspired, it was also a discovery of the promised land: "Columbus was chosen by Heaven for the accomplishment of those two great designs, the discovery of the New World, and the rescue of the holy sepulcher." 16 Irving's praise-filled biography, with its emphasis on the religiosity of Columbus' mission, influenced generations of teachers and scholars.17 Indeed, after Irving's popular book, history textbooks not only sanctified Columbus's voyage, but also made Christopher Columbus a blessed figure: Columbus was imbued with a deep religious sentiment, and he became strongly impressed with the idea that there were people beyond the Atlantic, unto whom he was commissioned by Heaven to carry the Gospel. His name was suggestive of a mission.…”