The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. By: Bernal Díaz del Castillo (1492-1585)
This firsthand account of the conquest of Mexico and New Spain by Bernal Diaz del Castillo is a fascinating and gripping read. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling transport the reader back in time to a tumultuous era of exploration and conquest. Diaz del Castillo gives a detailed and honest account of the conquest, including the brutality of the battles, the alliances and betrayals between the Spaniards and the natives, and the hardships faced by both sides. His perspective as a participant in these events adds a personal touch to the narrative, making it all the more compelling. The passion and sincerity with which Diaz del Castillo tells his story make it clear that he believed in the righteousness of the conquest, despite the atrocities committed in the name of colonization. However, his writing also reveals a sense of regret and disillusionment as he reflects on the consequences of their actions. Overall, this memoir is a valuable and insightful historical document that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant chapters in world history. Readers with an interest in the history of conquest and colonization will find much to appreciate in this engrossing account. First Page: THE MEMOIRS OF THE CONQUISTADOR BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO WRITTEN BY HIMSELF CONTAINING A TRUE AND FULL ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND NEW SPAIN TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL SPANISH BY JOHN INGRAM LOCKHART, F.R.A.S. AUTHOR OF "ATTICA AND ATHENS" IN TWO VOLUMES VOL. I LONDON J. HATCHARD AND SON, 187, PICCADILLY MDCCCXLIV. C. AND J. ADLARD, PRINTERS, BATHOLOMEW CLOSE. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The History of the Conquest of New Spain is a subject in which great interest is felt at the present day, and the English public will hail these memoirs, which contain the only true and complete account of that important transaction. The author of this original and charming production, to which he justly gives the title of 'The True History of the Conquest of New Spain,' was himself one of the Conquistadores; one who not only witnessed the transactions which he relates, but who also performed a glorious part in them; a soldier who, for impartiality and veracity, perhaps never had his equal. His account is acknowledged to be the only one on which we can place reliance, and it has been the magazine from which the most eloquent of the Spanish writers on the same subject, as well as those of other countries, have borrowed their best materials. Some historians have even transcribed whole pages, but have not had sufficient honesty to acknowledge it... Continue reading book >>

The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. By: Bernal Díaz del Castillo (1492-1585)

This firsthand account of the conquest of Mexico and New Spain by Bernal Diaz del Castillo is a fascinating and gripping read. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling transport the reader back in time to a tumultuous era of exploration and conquest.

Diaz del Castillo gives a detailed and honest account of the conquest, including the brutality of the battles, the alliances and betrayals between the Spaniards and the natives, and the hardships faced by both sides. His perspective as a participant in these events adds a personal touch to the narrative, making it all the more compelling.

The passion and sincerity with which Diaz del Castillo tells his story make it clear that he believed in the righteousness of the conquest, despite the atrocities committed in the name of colonization. However, his writing also reveals a sense of regret and disillusionment as he reflects on the consequences of their actions.

Overall, this memoir is a valuable and insightful historical document that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant chapters in world history. Readers with an interest in the history of conquest and colonization will find much to appreciate in this engrossing account.

First Page:

THE MEMOIRS OF THE CONQUISTADOR BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF

CONTAINING A TRUE AND FULL ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO AND NEW SPAIN

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL SPANISH BY JOHN INGRAM LOCKHART, F.R.A.S. AUTHOR OF "ATTICA AND ATHENS"

IN TWO VOLUMES VOL. I

LONDON J. HATCHARD AND SON, 187, PICCADILLY MDCCCXLIV.

C. AND J. ADLARD, PRINTERS, BATHOLOMEW CLOSE.

TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

The History of the Conquest of New Spain is a subject in which great interest is felt at the present day, and the English public will hail these memoirs, which contain the only true and complete account of that important transaction.

The author of this original and charming production, to which he justly gives the title of 'The True History of the Conquest of New Spain,' was himself one of the Conquistadores; one who not only witnessed the transactions which he relates, but who also performed a glorious part in them; a soldier who, for impartiality and veracity, perhaps never had his equal. His account is acknowledged to be the only one on which we can place reliance, and it has been the magazine from which the most eloquent of the Spanish writers on the same subject, as well as those of other countries, have borrowed their best materials. Some historians have even transcribed whole pages, but have not had sufficient honesty to acknowledge it... Continue reading book >>

Book sections
The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.	The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 2 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

eBook links
Wikipedia – Bernal Díaz del Castillo
Wikipedia – The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac