The Conquest of Mexico

Prescott’s history of Hernan Cortes, and his conquering of Mexico for the Spanish Empire in the 16th century, is a classic of historical literature. This edition unifies the seven books in a single volume.

Drawing on sources given to him by Mexican authorities, plus existing histories of Cortes, Prescott presents an exhaustive narration of the conquest. He commences with an account of the culture of the Mayan peoples; crediting their hieroglyphic language, traditions and unique agricultural and architectural achievements. After these descriptions, we are taken to 1519 – the Mayan civilization under the rule of King Montezuma.

The initial explorations of the Spanish around the Central American coastline are followed by skirmishes and hostilities. The Spanish mission rapidly turns from one of discovery to one of conquest after the conquistadors decide to keep Montezuma hostage; reinforcements are requested and arrive, as intense battles against the Mayans ensue. The religious element of the fight, wherein Christianity is introduced to the Mayan natives, is also mentioned. Finally, the climactic battle of the war – the bloody and destructive Siege of Tenochtitlan – is narrated.

We also discover the personal life of Cortes, wherein his local Mayan interpreter Malinche became his longtime mistress. For exceeding his mission and supposedly underpaying the Spanish crown, Cortes’s glory was jeopardized. However, the sheer success and scope of his conquests and proof to King Charles of the great revenues received led the King to bestow great honors. Mexico City was founded and built amid the ruins of Tenochtitlan, firmly establishing Spain’s colonial holding.

The later portions of the book cover Cortes’s quelling of later disturbances and local uprisings among the conquered peoples, allowing the first European settlers to make a home in Mexico. Retiring once the hostilities has died down, the mature Cortes retained a spirit of adventure, heading an ill-fated expedition and going missing for a time in what is today northwestern Mexico and Baja. These efforts led to the initial naming of The Gulf of California as the Sea of Cortes.