Commentary By Rick Rodriguez
History of the Conquest of Mexico by William H. Prescott is a story that most of us know, but unless you are a student or admirer of ancient Mexican history it is difficult to know it in the manner that Prescott tells it. The Author filled vacancies in my mind on the ancient history of Mexico and the Aztecs, Spaniards, Tlascalans, Mixtecs, Otomie (my Mother's ancestors) as well as a plethora of others that endured the conquest of Mexico. He also shed new light for me of the social, cultural, religious, customs, and the probable causes of the conquest. There is discussion of Christianity, it's necessary purpose in the new world; and why the abolishment of the Aztecs perhaps contributed in some manner to the betterment of mankind; that is, according to the Conquistador's viewpoint and not the writer of this blog--Rick Rodriguez! Nonetheless, it is there for you to explore, uncover, and come to your own conclusions.
Published in 1843, and considered a masterpiece; History of the Conquest of Mexico is a voluminous work that is well researched and told almost in story like fashion by its Author William H. prescott! Prescott, like many great writers, brings the reader to the discovery of the new world. He finely details every bit of the arduous plight of the Spaniards, and the amazing features of a thriving new World empire of the Aztecs. According to James Lockhart " Prescott belongs with Thoreau and Melville and is very close to someone like Washington Irving. Prescott belonged to an age in which distinction between "literature" and "scholarship" was not as stark as it is today. A romantic historian, he thought in terms of characters and plot, and was aware of his affinity to such writers as Sir Walter Scott." After reading this massive work, I can concur with this assessment and my copy is plenty dog-eared and well worn, its fate sealed after countless nights spent opening and closing the book.
More importantly, for me, the book shed a new light on my view of a conquered people; the Aztecs, and how that was accomplished and perhaps why it was inevitable? I know this NOW! And, I could take time to detail it here, but it would certainly be an elaborate explanation; moreover, I would clearly only impress upon the Reader something that could possibly be interpreted and understood differently. Of course, the journey is up to the Reader, as is always the case, but in this one--what a journey it is!
In this age, as we've moved to electronic communications and with everything moving quickly, its challenging reading great historical novels; however, it is imperative to never allow them to sink into the archives of great past works, but to continue to read, interpret, understand, and appreciate the ancient societies of the past. Moreover, as you the reader do this, you will gather a greater perspective of yourself and how you fit into this continuing evolvement of human kind. For this, Prescott's History of the Conquest of Mexico is necessary! Individuals that continue to define man's true identities through history--it is works like Prescott's that will remain pertinent and forever endure.
This was a monumental achievement for me! Not only for the personal accomplishment, but also what it gave to me and what I've come to know of my ethnicity! This book gave me a profound understanding of Mexico's history and how much of that history is still there ready to be discovered, appreciated, and expanded. I hope it does the same for you!
History of the Conquest of Mexico is 970 pages. I read this book over a long period of time and completed it in February of 2008. I read the published version of the The Modern Library Classics with an Introduction by James Lockhart.
Rick Rodriguez is a Real Estate Broker & Property Manager with 27+ years of experience in the real estate business. Rick, a Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College, services the San Francisco East Bay Area including the communities in the 680/580 freeway corridors, and Southern Alameda & Southern Contra Costa County. Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.
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