In the history of great voyages driven by highly diverse motives, that of Columbus in 1492 stands out. Not only are the audacity, ability, and the tenacity of the sailors notable, but also the unexpected result. America became the most spectacular of historical events. The lands that Columbus encountered looking for Asia are not properly a "new world", but part of a single and entire world always. O'Gorman examines how America appeared to the West in virtue of pure chance and the personal projects of Columbus. Through this analysis he proposes to the reader to abandon the concept of "discovery" for another that apprehends a rather greater suitable reality of the acts, that of an "invented" America. From back cover.