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.
#1636954 in Books 2002-05-02Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.80 x 1.40 x 8.40l; #File Name: 0195154010432 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Love this bookBy TwinMammaI teach ancient near eastern Bible context to kids and Egypt is my favorite subject - this book has been indispensable. Great information about the priesthood; offerings; cult - it's just a good all around resource for anyone who can't spring for the full encyclopedia set.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very useful for amateur egyptologists!By Joan A. LansberryLow on photos and illustrations; but definitely high on densely packed information. I know it's a book I'll refer to often.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Priceless Academic Resource on Egyptian TheologyBy War BoarThis is one of my favourite and most referred-to books in the Egyptological section of my personal library; hands-down. The articles on demons; offerings; and heka are exceptionally useful; as those topics in particular are seldom explained in-depth or accurately in the more popularly-available texts. The articles have been written and organized meticulously; and no subject represented in the tome is left wanting for detail.Another benefit of this text is the broad sampling of scholars; among them Meeks; Silverman; and Manniche. No scholar is an expert in absolutely every aspect of his/her field; after all. Such exposure to a wide array of scholars offers much more than a simple bibliography; and encourages further exploration on the part of the reader -- which is what any good text should inspire.I would not recommend this book to the casual reader; however. The academic language of the articles can be cumbersome and dry to the unversed (though not wholly inaccessible); unlike a whitewashed Egyptian Mythology survey text written for popular consumption. Some basic understanding of Ancient Egyptian Theology; History; and culture beyond the grossly misinterpreted and highly abused "Contendings of Heru and Set" satire would be ideal intellectual possessions before any prospective reader attempts to properly utilize and appreciate such a reference text on Egyptian religion. For those well-versed in all things Ancient Egyptian; "The Ancient Gods Speak" is a priceless; comprehensive reference text that will be used often; and shall swiftly become a well-loved addition to one's library.
