Book of Prophecies

work by Columbus and Gorricio

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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The Book of Prophecies was a compilation of biblical and other pronouncements that Christopher Columbus believed supported his role in the western voyages. He likely worked on this collection with the Carthusian friar Gaspar Gorricio between 1501 and 1502, with additions made until around 1505. The book draws heavily from the Bible and other sources, reflecting Columbus's deeply religious nature and his reverence for learning. It demonstrates his belief that divine prophecy guided his explorations.

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3 Britannica Sources

Christopher Columbus - Written sources
biblical literature - Jeremiah
biblical literature - Prophetic themes and actions

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Christopher Columbus
Written sources
…of his sensibilities is the Book of Prophecies, a collection of pronouncements largely taken from the Bible and seeming to bear directly on his role in the western voyages; the book was probably compiled by Columbus and his friend the Carthusian friar Gaspar Gorricio between September 1501 and March 1502,…
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…of his sensibilities is the Book of Prophecies, a collection of pronouncements largely taken from the Bible and seeming to bear directly on his role in the western voyages; the book was probably compiled by Columbus and his friend the Carthusian friar Gaspar Gorricio between September 1501 and March 1502,…
Read More
Christopher Columbus
The fourth voyage and final years of Christopher Columbus
…Columbus family, and his apocalyptic Book of Prophecies, which includes several biblical passages. The first compilation seems an odd companion to the second, yet both were closely linked in the admiral’s own mind. He seems to have been certain that his mission was divinely guided. Thus, the loftiness of his…
Read More
…Columbus family, and his apocalyptic Book of Prophecies, which includes several biblical passages. The first compilation seems an odd companion to the second, yet both were closely linked in the admiral’s own mind. He seems to have been certain that his mission was divinely guided. Thus, the loftiness of his…
Read More