Book Description

Christopher Columbus journey to America in 1492 towers throughout history as one of the most daring adventures of mans exploration. In sailing his three tiny ships through uncharted waters to a new land, Columbus became the central character in an event that changed the course of the world. Cajun Columbus offers a slightly revised version of that historic venture, one in which a pivotal role is held by an intrepid Cajun named Pierre Lastrapes, whose descendents today inhabit the bayou country of South Louisiana. Pierre falls asleep in his pirogue and winds up in Spain, volunteering to use his navigational skills to lead Columbus and his hardy band of explorers across the Atlantic Bayou to the New World. Calling upon knowledge gleaned from a roving band of Vikings, Pierre leads Columbus to a landing on Avery Island and later saves the explorer from hostile Attakapas Indians. In the process, Columbus is introduced to an exotic new crop which he carries back to Spainthe hot pepper for which Avery Island is world famous.