Here is an intriguing exploration of the ways in which the history of the Spanish Conquest has been misread and passed down to become popular knowledge of these events. The book offers a fresh account of the activities of the best-known conquistadors and explorers; including Columbus; Cortés; and Pizarro. Using a wide array of sources; historian Matthew Restall highlights seven key myths; uncovering the source of the inaccuracies and exploding the fallacies and misconceptions behind each myth. This vividly written and authoritative book shows; for instance; that native Americans did not take the conquistadors for gods and that small numbers of vastly outnumbered Spaniards did not bring down great empires with stunning rapidity. We discover that Columbus was correctly seen in his lifetime--and for decades after--as a briefly fortunate but unexceptional participant in efforts involving many southern Europeans. It was only much later that Columbus was portrayed as a great man who fought against the ignorance of his age to discover the new world. Another popular misconception--that the Conquistadors worked alone--is shattered by the revelation that vast numbers of black and native allies joined them in a conflict that pitted native Americans against each other. This and other factors; not the supposed superiority of the Spaniards; made conquests possible.The Conquest; Restall shows; was more complex--and more fascinating--than conventional histories have portrayed it. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest offers a richer and more nuanced account of a key event in the history of the Americas.
#270196 in Books William Harmless 2004-06-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x 1.20 x 9.10l; 1.58 #File Name: 0195162234512 pagesDesert Christians An Introduction to the Literature of Early Monasticism
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book that turns over every rock and climbs every mountain of Desert MonasticismBy Victor Lee BurkeThis whole early monasticism literature is a mess and this is the best road map to understand the key figures and sources to make sense of the desert monastics and the social and political contexts that gave rise and influenced this great religious movement.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book is a good start to know themBy Hermani have heard few Desert Father name; but I didn't know who they are and what they did. This book is a good start to know them. Not too detail and also not to shallow. A good book for those who want to know more on Desert Father and their view on theology and Christianity.I gave 5 stars; because I like it and I will re-read it again. Good content and good writing.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. school textBy Charlotte A. Schmotzerwhat can be said about a book that HAS to be read... well; it is a good book anyway. recommend
