44 pages • 1 hour read
Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
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Book Brief
240
Book • Nonfiction
Spanish America • 16th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall challenges and deconstructs seven widely accepted myths about the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, critiquing the traditional narratives crafted by colonial writers and adopted by modern historians. Restall uses Spanish and Nahuatl primary sources, as well as Indigenous and African perspectives, to provide a fuller and more accurate account of Conquest history, emphasizing the roles of Indigenous allies, free and enslaved Africans, and other overlooked factors. The book urges readers to question accepted truths and place historical events in a broader context.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
1,194 ratings
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Review Roundup
Matthew Restall's Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is lauded for its rigor and clarity, debunking long-held misconceptions about the Spanish Conquest with fresh perspectives and thorough research. Critics appreciate its accessible prose and critical approach, although some note it can be repetitive. Overall, it's a valuable contribution to historiography.
Who Should Read Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest?
Readers who appreciate Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall are history enthusiasts and scholars interested in debunking misconceptions about the Spanish Conquest. Comparable works include Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel.
1,194 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Atahuallpa
Atahuallpa
The Inca emperor during the Spanish conquest of Peru, whose capture and execution by Francisco Pizarro marked a pivotal moment in the Conquest, and whose legacy inspired subsequent resistance against the Spanish.
Francisco Pizarro
Francisco Pizarro
A Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the conquest of the Inca Empire, notable for his role in capturing Atahuallpa and exploiting the internal strife within the Inca Empire.
Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés
A Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Mexica Empire, with significant assistance from Indigenous allies and the impact of European diseases.
Marina/“La Malinche”
Marina/“La Malinche”
An Indigenous woman who served as a translator for Hernán Cortés, playing a crucial role in his interactions with the Mexica due to her linguistic abilities acquired during her early life and enslavement.
Moctezuma II
Moctezuma II
The emperor of the Mexica Empire at its height, known for his strategic diplomatic engagement with Hernán Cortés and the Spanish, which ultimately failed amidst various external pressures and misunderstandings.
240
Book • Nonfiction
Spanish America • 16th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
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