Sir Neville Ronald Syme, an author of remarkable versatility, has penned over eighty books, encompassing more than fifty nonfiction works that delve into biography, geography, and history, as well as over twenty fiction books. His literary repertoire includes "Balboa," one of many juvenile biographies focusing on iconic historical figures, notably explorers and colonizers of the New World. Syme's extensive catalog features biographies of renowned adventurers such as Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, Francisco Pizarro, Ferdinand Magellan, Samuel de Champlain, and Sir Walter Raleigh, reflecting his keen interest in exploration.

Published in 1956, "Balboa" met with a warm reception from critics. Library Journal commended the book for its engaging action and adventure, highlighting its clear, simple prose and appealing format. The New Yorker also lauded the book, specifically praising Stobbs’s dynamic illustrations and Syme’s straightforward narrative style. Critics broadly recognized the book’s accessibility to young readers and its factual accuracy.

Despite the abundance of literature on Vasco Núñez de Balboa, whose legacy is firmly tied to the "discovery" of the Pacific Ocean, Syme's portrayal of him as a benevolent and compassionate leader offers a selective view of the historical figure. This approach contrasts with other works, such as Kathleen Romoli’s "Balboa of Darién: Discoverer of the Pacific" (1953), which sheds light on the darker aspects of Balboa's expeditions. Romoli’s account details the practices of torture, enslavement, looting, and repression that Balboa and his men engaged in during their conquest of Darién. Syme's omission of these troubling details likely aligns with his intention to write for a younger audience, yet it undeniably positions him within a specific interpretation of Balboa's legacy.