If you want a newer pro-Columbus book, I saw a YouTube about this one. Columbus, according to the book, wanted to fund a crusade to recapture Jerusalem. He thought the Chinese were Christ-curious and thought he could enlist their help and use proceeds from trade to fund it. Most of the atrocities happened because Columbus couldn't keep a leash on his men, not because he wanted them to happen. (I'm not arguing for one interpretation or the other)
If you want a newer pro-Columbus book, I saw a YouTube about this one. Columbus, according to the book, wanted to fund a crusade to recapture Jerusalem. He thought the Chinese were Christ-curious and thought he could enlist their help and use proceeds from trade to fund it. Most of the atrocities happened because Columbus couldn't keep a leash on his men, not because he wanted them to happen. (I'm not arguing for one interpretation or the other)
https://www.amazon.ca/Columbus-Quest-Jerusalem-Religion-Voyages/dp/1439102376
Thanks; I've put it on my list! I've heard about Columbus's plans for a crusade, and I'm interested in reading more in that vein.