The History Maker Bios series offers introductions to the lives of historical figures found in the core of every history curriculum. Filled with true stories, historical photographs, artwork, and caricatures, each title in this lively series will entertain and inform readers. Did you know that Christopher Columbus was nearly killed when pirates attacked his ship? Clinging to an oar he swam to safety. Despite this, he loved the sea and spent his entire life around ships and the sea. Convinced that he could find a fast route to India by sailing westward around the world, he set sail for Asia in 1492, and found America instead.