Subject
America -- Early accounts to 1600 Books
Best books
Pietro Martire d' Anghiera
De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2) The Eight Decades of Peter Martyr D'Anghera
"De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Pietro Martire d'Anghiera is a collection of narrative tracts written between 1493 and 1525. This groundbreaking historical work chronicles the early Spanish exploration and conquest of the New World, drawing from Columbus's Caribbean voyages, Cortés's Mexican expedition, and Balboa's discovery of the Pacific. Among the earliest histories of the Age of Discovery, these accounts provide invaluable firsthand perspectives on European encounters with Native Americans and the dramatic expansion of the known world.
Walter Raleigh
The Discovery of Guiana
"The Discovery of Guiana" by Sir Walter Raleigh is a travel account written in 1596. Following his expedition to South America, Raleigh crafted this narrative to restore his standing with Queen Elizabeth I after a period of disgrace. The book blends factual observations with bold claims about El Dorado, a fabled golden empire. While Raleigh's journey yielded little tangible wealth, his literary skill transformed a failed expedition into a compelling tale that would influence his fate for decades to come.
Pedro de Cieza de León
The travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon, A.D. 1532-50, contained in the first part of his Chronicle of Peru
"The Travels of Pedro de Cieza de Léon, A.D. 1532-50" by Pedro de Cieza de León is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work serves as a detailed chronicle of the author's observations and experiences during his travels in Peru during the Spanish Conquest, covering various geographical features, cultures, and the impact of European colonization. The narrative provides crucial insights into indigenous customs, the political landscape, and the challenges faced by both the Spanish and the native populations. The opening of this extensive chronicle provides a context for the author's experiences and his motivations for documenting the lands he traversed. Introducing readers to the early chapters, Cieza de León recounts his arrival in the New World and the founding of cities such as Panama, as well as his observations on the indigenous peoples in the regions he explored. He highlights the remarkable diversity of the land, the richness of its resources, and the complexities of its inhabitants. The author's keen observational skills are evident as he shares vivid descriptions of local customs, natural environments, and the ongoing tumult of colonial dynamics, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Peru's historical narrative.
Ulrich Schmidel
The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555)
"The Conquest of the River Plate (1535-1555)" by Schmidel and Núñez Cabeza de Vaca is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This work presents two narratives from different perspectives—the voyage of the German adventurer Ulrich Schmidt and the commentaries of the Spanish explorer Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca—detailing their experiences during the early Spanish colonization efforts in the region of the Rio de la Plata. These narratives chronicle the complex interactions between Spanish conquerors and indigenous peoples, alongside the hardships faced during exploration and settlement. The opening of the book sets the stage with the introduction of Ulrich Schmidt's voyage, providing insights into the early expeditions and the challenges encountered, such as navigating treacherous waters and dealing with hostile encounters with Indigenous tribes. Schmidt describes his journey from Seville and the tumultuous arrival at the Rio de la Plata, where conflicts with local tribes and struggles for sustenance begin to unfold. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, survival, and the brutal reality of conquest, while also foreshadowing the contrasting accounts to follow from Cabeza de Vaca, setting a framework for the complex and often contentious historical narrative about this significant period in South American history.
Martín del Barco Centenera
La Argentina, o La conquista del Rio de La Plata. Poema histórico
"La Argentina, o La conquista del Rio de La Plata. Poema histórico" by Martín del Barco Centenera is an epic poem published in 1602. This twenty-eight-canto work chronicles the conquest and social reality of the Río de la Plata region, marking the first recorded use of the name "Argentina." Written in royal octaves with moral and exemplary intent, it blends learned Latin elements with popular language. The poem's historical significance lies in its eyewitness accounts, including a description of Túpac Amaru I's revolutionary process in Vilcabamba.
José de Acosta
Historia natural y moral de las Indias (vol. 1 of 2)
"Historia natural y moral de las Indias (vol. 1 of 2)" by José de Acosta is a work first published in Latin in 1589 and in Spanish in 1590. This Jesuit scholar's ambitious treatise divides its seven books between natural and moral subjects. The first four books explore cosmography, biology, botany, and geography of the New World, while the final three delve into religious, political, and historical matters, including ancient Mexican history. The work sparked controversy over its sources and became widely translated across Europe.
Reginaldo de Lizárraga
Descripción colonial, libro segundo (2/2)
"Descripción colonial, libro segundo (2/2)" by Reginaldo de Lizárraga is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book examines ecclesiastical and civil leadership in the Viceroyalty of Peru, focusing on the bishops, archbishops, and virreys from the time of the Spanish conquest to subsequent governance. It details the individuals who held these positions, offering insights into their lives, governance styles, and impacts on the church and society. The opening of the text introduces the structure of the historical account, commencing with a focus on ecclesiastical authorities within the Kingdom of Peru. It outlines a chronological examination of the bishops, beginning with the first bishop of Quito and covering their virtues, governance challenges, and significant events during their tenures. Lizárraga presents vivid character sketches and anecdotes about each religious leader, setting a tone of reverence for their contributions and the moral complexities they faced while leading their congregations and communities during the colonial period. The text blends biography with social commentary, providing a rich historical context for readers interested in colonial Latin America.
Unknown
Sailors Narratives of Voyages Along the New England Coast, 1524-1624
"Sailors Narratives of Voyages Along the New England Coast, 1524-1624" by G.P. Winship is a historical account published in the early 20th century. It compiles first-hand narratives from various explorers and sailors who journeyed along the New England coastline, primarily detailing their encounters with indigenous peoples and descriptions of the landscapes they discovered. This collection provides valuable insights into early European explorations and the interactions with the New World. The opening of the work begins with an introductory note about the book's publication specifics and the narrative structure of the subsequent chapters, which are based on original accounts and historic voyages. The first chapter recounts Giovanni da Verrazano’s voyage in 1524, highlighting his ambitious attempt to explore the coast in search of new lands and trade routes. Verrazano shares his observations of the land, the native inhabitants, and the resources he encounters, painting a vivid picture of his voyage filled with wonder, danger, and the unknown. Through his detailed accounts, readers get a glimpse into the early European perspective on the Americas and the intriguing landscapes and cultures they were beginning to encounter.
Reginaldo de Lizárraga
Descripción colonial, libro primero (1/2)
"Descripción Colonial" by Fr. Reginaldo de Lizárraga is a historical account written in the early 17th century. The work is an exploration and description of various regions that are now part of modern-day Peru, Argentina, and Chile, focusing on the indigenous peoples, environments, and societal structures observed during the author's travels. This book offers valuable insights into the early colonial landscape of South America. The opening of the work introduces the author, Fr. Reginaldo de Lizárraga, as a notable figure in the Catholic Church who traveled extensively across the regions mentioned. It provides a preliminary biography detailing his background, reasons for his travels, and the socio-political context of the late 16th century that influenced his observations. Lizárraga's narrative promises vivid descriptions of the land and its peoples, highlighting the challenges and cultural dynamics present during this transformative period in South American history. The initial chapters hint at his intention to share not just geographical insights but also personal encounters and distinctive experiences during his journeys, setting the stage for a rich depiction of colonial life.
José de Acosta
Historia natural y moral de las Indias (vol. 2 of 2)
"Historia natural y moral de las Indias (vol. 2 of 2)" by José de Acosta is a work first published in Latin in 1589 and in Spanish in 1590. This Jesuit scholar's ambitious treatise divides into two main parts: books on natural phenomena covering cosmography, biology, botany, and geography; and books on moral subjects exploring religious, political, and historical themes. The final book recounts the ancient history of the Mexicans, drawing from sources that sparked centuries of scholarly debate about originality and attribution.
Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
Naufragios de Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
"Naufragios de Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca" by Núñez Cabeza de Vaca is a historical account written during the early 16th century. The text is a firsthand narrative of the author's experiences as he embarks on an expedition to Florida, detailing the hardships faced by the crew, including shipwreck, encounters with indigenous peoples, and the struggle for survival in a foreign land. The opening of the narrative begins with the departure of the expedition led by Governor Pánfilo de Narváez from Spain, sailing towards Florida with a significant crew and expectations of conquest. Cabeza de Vaca introduces himself and his companions while recounting the initial stages of their journey, including stops at various ports and the challenges they face along the way. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the expedition will be fraught with trials, including storms and loss of lives, setting the stage for the dramatic adventures that are to follow in the wilderness of North America.
Ulrich Schmidel
Viage al Rio de La Plata y Paraguay
"Viage al Rio de La Plata y Paraguay" by Ulrich Schmidel is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work is a firsthand chronicle of Schmidel's experiences as he traveled from Europe to the New World, detailing the early expeditions to the Río de la Plata and Paraguay in the 16th century. The narrative provides insights into the lives of indigenous peoples, the struggles faced by European colonizers, and the complex dynamics of early colonial ventures in South America. The opening of the account introduces Ulrich Schmidel, who embarked on a journey to the Río de la Plata as a young soldier in the service of D. Pedro de Mendoza. It details the initial preparations for the expedition, the composition of the fleet, and the challenges they faced during the voyage, such as a violent hurricane that scattered the ships. Upon arriving in the New World, Schmidel recounts the first encounters between the Spanish forces and the indigenous populations, illustrating the harsh realities of colonial conquest, including hunger, disease, and conflict with native tribes. The beginning sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the challenges, triumphs, and interactions that defined early colonial life in this uncharted territory.
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