José Guevara
Historia del Paraguay, Río de La Plata y Tucumán
"Historia del Paraguay, Río de La Plata y Tucumán" by José Guevara is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work focuses on the history and events surrounding the regions of Paraguay, Río de La Plata, and Tucumán, exploring the cultural, political, and social dynamics of these territories, particularly during the time of Spanish colonization and Jesuit missions. The opening of the narrative sets a historical context, detailing the prominent role of the Company of Jesus and their influence over the indigenous populations in the South American territories they administered. Guevara reflects on the establishment of Jesuit missions, their conflicts with colonial authorities, and the transformation of native societies under their guidance. He emphasizes the historical challenges inherent in documenting this history, such as the lack of written records and the questionable reliability of some early accounts, while presenting the Jesuits as both civilizing forces and subjects of political intrigue and suppression. Thus, the beginning of this book promises a complex and engaging exploration of the interplay between religion, governance, and indigenous cultures in early colonial South America.