Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Volume 1 Value Guide

This 1942 first volume of 'Admiral of the Ocean Sea' is a cornerstone of maritime history, written by Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison. It is highly collectible because Morison physically retraced Columbus's voyages by sail to provide an unparalleled level of geographical and navigational accuracy.

What Is Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Volume 1 Worth?

The typical price range for Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Volume 1 is $20 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original 1942 dust jacket significantly impact the $20-$40 price range.
• Overall condition of the paper and ink, specifically looking for foxing, spine fading, or water damage.
• Completeness of the set; while Volume 1 has individual value, it is more desirable when paired with Volume 2.
• Provenance or signatures, as copies owned or signed by Rear Admiral Morison command a premium.

How to Identify Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Volume 1?

• Check for the 1942 publication date on the title page or copyright page to ensure it is an early printing.
• Verify the author as Samuel Eliot Morison and the title specifically as Volume 1 of the two-volume set.
• Look for the original cloth binding and the presence of the publisher, Little, Brown and Company, on the spine.
• Confirm the inclusion of detailed maps and charts which were essential to Morison's maritime research.

History of Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus, Volume 1

Samuel Eliot Morison, a renowned American historian and Rear Admiral in the United States Naval Reserve, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his historical works on maritime subjects. 'Admiral of the Ocean Sea' is considered a definitive biography of Christopher Columbus, drawing on extensive research, including Morison's own sailing expeditions to retrace Columbus's voyages. The book was first published in 1942 and earned Morison a Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1943. It significantly shaped modern understanding of Columbus, presenting him as a skilled mariner and explorer while also acknowledging the complex impact of his discoveries.