Amerigo (New Translation)

Stefan Zweig's final work explores how the continents came to bear Amerigo Vespucci's name instead of Columbus's, uncovering how a likely forged document and the widespread circulation of Vespucci’s letters led to a naming error that persisted across Europe. Through meticulous archival detective work, Zweig reveals how chance, misinformation, and the dissemination of self-promotional accounts can shape history in unexpected ways. Written amid Zweig's personal despair and global upheaval, the book offers a poignant reflection on the unpredictable nature of fame, achievement, and the spread of falsehoods.