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44 pages 1 hour read

Matthew Restall

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest

Matthew RestallNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Matthew Restall

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Spanish America • 16th Century

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.2

1,194 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.2

1,194 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Spanish America • 16th Century

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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