An uncontested classic in the literature of Latin American history, and a companion to Prescott's masterly study of Mexico. Continuing the chronicle of Spain's conquest of the New World, it presents a commanding vision of Pizarro's tumultuous overthrow of the Inca Empire. Filled with drama, every page captures the cruelty and pride of the conquistadors.
History Of The Conquest Of Peru
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
Originally published in 1847, History of the Conquest of Peru, a companion volume to William H. Prescott's masterly History of the Conquest of Mexico, continues his vivid chronicle of Spanish exploits in the New World. The book's commanding vision of Pizarro's tumultuous overthrow of the Inca empire has secured its reputation as a classic in the literature of Latin American history.
------"History of the Conquest of Peru represents an author's triumph over his materials," observed Donald G. Darnell, one of the historian's several biographers. "Prescott exploits to the fullest any opportunities for dramatic effects that history might provide him. . . . If there is one [distinguishing] feature of the Conquest of Peru . . . it is the portrayal of the Spanish character, that striking fusion of courage, cruelty, pride, and gallows humor. . . . We seem to be overhearing dialogue and observing firsthand the interaction between the Spaniards as they struggle for control of an empire. . . . Although Peru lacks a noble protagonist . . . it is still an immensely readable history. The description of the Inca civilization, particularly its wealth, the precise explanation of the cause of the conflict between the conquerors, and the depiction of the Spanish character--these together with the careful research, the sheer abundance of anecdotes, and the exploitation of primary materials all contribut
e to the history's continuing popularity." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Prescott was from a prosperous, old New England family. In 1811 he entered Harvard, where his academic record was good but undistinguished; he had serious difficulties with mathematics, and in later life the prospect of appraising the mathematical achievements of the aboriginal Mexicans almost prevented him from completing his work. Near the end of his junior year, a crust of bread thrown during a melee in the student commons caused virtual blindness in his left eye; the weakness of his other eye, caused by infection, sometimes prevented him from carrying on any kind of literary work. Throughout his life, Prescott's vision seems to have fluctuated from good to total blindness, and he often resorted to the use of a noctograph, a writing grid with parallel wires that guided a stylus over a chemically treated surface. Substantial portions of all his books and correspondence were composed on this device. He died in 1859.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Brad Shorr
Format:Hardcover
The conquest of the mighty Inca empire by a small contingent of Spanish adventurers, and their subsequent civil wars fought for control of the region, is a story so dramatic and improbable that it's hard to believe it actually happened. Prescott's artistic style, meticulous attention to detail, and brilliantly structured narrative bring out all the drama and excitement. Unlike many histories, this work has nothing about it that is tedious or dry--particularly remarkable since Prescott never visited South America and developed his sweeping account exclusively from literary sources. The author's ability to reconstruct the attitudes and motivations of the key characters gives the reader a much deeper understanding of the events. Before reading the book, I knew next to nothing about the Incas or the settlement of the region. Upon finishing it, I felt as though I'd received a thorough (and most enjoyable) schooling.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A wonderful book! It reads like great fiction but the events aren't fiction-- they actually happened! This book kept me captivated, I couldn't put it down! Prescott does a marvelous Job!
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this one while traveling around Peru and the local experts confirmed the accuracy of Prescott's 150-year-old writings about Inca culture. Many of the most important actors in the book were surprisingly old considering the hardships that they endured. For example, Pizarro himself was 60 when he started heading down towards Peru through terrible storms in wooden boats, often getting stranded in mosquito-infested jungles without food for months at a time. He was 65 by the time he actually conquered Peru. One of the Pizarro family's most effective generals in their fights against other Spaniards was 80-84 during the period of these civil wars.
This book makes a great gift for anyone traveling to Ecuador or Peru and for anyone over the age of 60.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Opening the door to Peru
History of the Conquest of Peru by William H Prescott is a very thoroughly researched and interestingly written account. Read more
Published 3 months ago by alan arrowsmith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brutal conquest
Five stars because I learned so much about Peru and the ancient Inca culture during the mid-1500's. The conquest was deceitful and brutal. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mary E. Duncan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Vivid Portrayal of History
When you travel to Peru, even today, the country's landscape and country are dominated by the conflict that occurred between the Incas and the Spaniards in the 16th century. Read more
Published on March 21, 2010 by Douglas P. Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding! Just like being there!
The Inca HUAYNA CAPAC (died in 1525 ad) had two heirs to the throne. ATHAHUALLPA (to whom he left the northern part of the country, with the capital of Quito), who was not from a... Read more
Published on January 5, 2007 by G. Stucco
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat boring
There's a lot of information here but the book is often slow and dull and too wordy and pretentious for my tastes. Less is more.
Published on November 12, 2000
