The Conquest of Mexico is a brilliant account of the Spanish conquest of Mexico; written from a new and unfamiliar angle. Gruzinski analyses the process of colonization that took place in native Indian societies over three centuries; focusing on disruptions to the Indian's memory; changes in their perception of reality; the spread of the European idea of the supernatural and the Spanish colonists' introduction of alphabetical script which the Indians had to combine with their own traditional - oral and pictorial - forms of communication. Gruzinski discusses the Indians' often awkward initiation into writing; their assimilation of Spanish culture; and their subsequent reinterpretation of their own past and recovers the changing Indian perceptions of the sacred and their "absorption" of elements from the Christian tradition. The Conquest of Mexico is a major work of cultural history which reconstructs a crucial episode in the European colonization of the New World. It is also an important contribution to the study of the relationship between memory; orality; images and writing in history.
#654283 in Books Edward J Larson 2008-06-10 2008-06-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.10 x 5.50l; .75 #File Name: 0743293177352 pagesA Magnificent Catastrophe The Tumultuous Election of 1800 America s First Presidential Campaign
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Roots of PartisanshpBy roxanne felineJohn Adams is president and the federalist candidate; but so thoroughly disliked that his own party was defecting to Pinckney. Alexander Hamilton plays a big role on the federalist side; but he has already climbed to power and influence; so is not as interesting as he probably was earlier in his life. Jefferson is Democratic Republican candidate; living on his plantation at Monticello; maintaining the "natural increase" of his slaves. Both were self-serving schemers in an era when revolutionary patriotism had given way to concerns of money and station and the partisanship which continues to this day had already taken root. The constitution had already shown itself to be inadequate in such an environment; and the Twelfth Amendment would be the result.This book is anti-climactic as early voting in New York City decided the presidential election and Larson has difficulty building interest in the rest of the campaign.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting history of this first real campaign especially in the 2016 election cycleBy ARGVery interesting history of this first real campaign especially in the 2016 election cycle. So many parallels. I saw Mr Larson speaking on CSPAN and sought out this book. It did not disappoint. The birth of parties in the US was not intended or wanted by the Framers and yet in only a few elections they were holding fast and shaping the country. Back room deals and smoke filled rooms. Crazy to read now. Really well written and engaging0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. a quite competent review of the watershed election of 1800By Ken DahlLarson presents a quite competent review of this watershed election of 1800. The events were so incoherent that the story is frustrating; but that's not Larson's fault. We were then who we are now: a diverse people who are not timid about conflict.
