Washington Irving 
Voyages and Discoveries of the Companions of Columbus (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) 

This 1831 volume focuses on lesser-known explorers like Alonzo de Ojeda, Diego de Nicuesa, Juan Ponce de Leon, and Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, among others. Followers of Christopher Columbus, these men experienced first hand the excitement of discovery in a time when there were entire worlds to be found.

About the author

Washington Irving (1783-1859) has been called the first American man of letters.  His most famous stories are ‘Rip Van Winkle’ and ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, ‘ classics of dark fantasy.  He also wrote histories and biographies, including a five-volume life of George Washington.