The Letters of Amerigo Vespucci, and Other Documents Illustrative of His Career

A scholarly edition that assembles translated letters attributed to the author with an introduction, editorial notes, and supporting documents to trace his career and voyage narratives. It presents his firsthand accounts of several transatlantic voyages, juxtaposes contemporary testimony that both supports and disputes specific claims, and reproduces official records such as naturalization and appointment papers. Included are letters from other voyagers and critical chapters from a prominent historian that examine the veracity of contested voyages. The volume enables readers to follow the sequence of reports, the documentary evidence gathered around them, and the main points of the ensuing debate.