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Bernal DiazDelCastillo

The Discovery And Conquest Of Mexico Paperback – March 21, 1996

by Bernal Diaz Del Castillo (Author)

41 customer reviews

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Bernal Díaz del Castillo(1495–1584) served under Cortés through the entire Mexican campaign, and his narrative, one of only four extant firsthand accounts, is both an invaluable hirstorical document and a spectacular epic. He was with Cortés when the latter sank the ships, thus committing the small band of conquistadors irrevocably to the Conquest; he was privy to the counsels of the leaders and was at hand when Montezuma was made a prisoner in his own palace. Bernal Díaz fought in over a hundred battles and skirmishes against an enemy who made living sacrifices of their prisoners. These things he saw and recorded in a bold blunt voice whose immediacy, in Maudslay's classic translation, reaches across the centuries to invite readers to witness for themselves the horrors and wonders of the initial, apocalyptic clash between two great civilizations.

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Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

About the Author

Bernal Diaz del Castillo fought in over one hundred battles against Mexico. His account of the conquest is one of only four firsthand accounts.

Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1st Da Capo Press ed edition (March 21, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0306806975
ISBN-13: 978-0306806971
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Average Customer Review: 41 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #664,873 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #670 in Mexico History
- #893 in Expeditions & Discoveries World History (Books)
- #13892 in European History (Books)

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Susanna

DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF MEXICO, by Bernal Diaz Del Castillo

November 6, 2013

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book was written by a man with a first-hand experience, as he was a foot soldier with Cortez. Castillo wrote HIS account after having read what he found to be an INACCURATE relating of the Spanish conquest. I recalled what I had read as a child of Cortez in history books, and this account was a real eye-opener, as there is no whitewashing of real facts here; but a portrayal of Spanish who wished to establish trade. These were Christian men who sought to get a foothold in the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico. To anyone who claims that the Spanish were aggressors, land-grabbers, cruel, etc., etc., as seems to be the "cult" these days, I recommend the reading of this account by one who was there. I am not denying that there surely must have been indecent acts by some Spanish, as we read even now of instances of American troops--there's always a weird mind in any society; however, human sacrifice among these native people of that region was rampant! The society was "sick" in its cannibalism, its human sacrificial religion . . . It truly was an eye opener for me. No native's word could be trusted. Though the culture was advanced in many ways, its religious beliefs were gruesome, eliciting repulsion to the reader, as well as horror and fear to the Spanish who witnessed such. Moreover, the courage of these Spanish men who eventually managed to introduce Christianity to this region, thus ending the horrible, ritualistic sacrificing of humans which involving cutting out the beating heart of a chosen victim . . . the Spanish and their tenacity, is mind boggling read, but it is not for the faint of heart. It's real life--no whitewashing here . . .

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All4Amazon

Excellent source of Mexican History

March 24, 2010

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Recently, I went on a trip to Mexico to visit Mexico City and tour the state of Oaxaca. I checked this book out of the library in advance of the trip to gain a little background on the region. Unfortunately, this was during the holidays and a I had house full of company so I didn't get far into before I left on my trip. When I returned I purchased this copy from an Amazon book seller.

This is the most authentic and interesting book I have ever read on Mexican History. Written by Bernal Diaz Del Castillo, a soldier who served under Hernan Cortes in the late 1500s - 1600s during all the Spanish conquests of Central America and South America, he provides an eye witness account of many of the significant events of the conquest. Even discounting the fact that he wrote this is his advanced years and has a bias towards the point of view of the Spaniards his book is far more accurate than anything else out there. I was pleasantly surprised by his writing style. His book is very readable and he is a natural story teller.

Even the little I managed to get through before my trip brought everything to life. I could actually follow along the historical themes of the Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace in Mexico City. Seeing Popo spew gas and steam was much as Castillo described 400 years ago. And in visiting archaeology sites and small villages in and near Mexico City, Puebla, and throughout Oaxaca one can still get a feel for the vastness and sophistication of the pre-Hispanic cultures that thrived throughout the region. The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables give further testimony to the thriving cultures that existed there and the diet remains heavily based on corn, chilis, and use of various parts of cactus plants. The ancient techniques for weaving, pottery making, wood carving and candle making are still in practice today, though perhaps as much for the touristes as other reasons. The Catholic influence is highly evident. It began with those early efforts of Cortes who "encouraged" the populations to embrace Christianity. There were so many churches, many heavily laden with gold.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico (beyond the beach towns) I highly recommend reading this book before you go.

2 people found this helpful

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Iggy

By words of the soldier himself...

November 9, 2009

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

The book was written in the latter part of Sr. Diaz Del Castillo's life. Indeed its a mature account, that has the elements of both grandfatherly kindness and wit, as well as Christian warrior's ruthlessness and piety.

As one reads this book, one finds how appealing a character of the author himself as well as his comrades in arms is. He never fails to emphasize that he was only a soldier, although a valiant soldier, but still only a soldier.

His Captain - Cortez, seems to stand out for him as a man, who wasn't just a seeker of fortune with no plan. On the contrary, Castillo shows that his commandor was a complex character, given both to (at times) uncontrollable greed and intellgence that makes a good general and a strategist. In summary, it was no accident that the City of Mexico was conquered by so few.

Of course, this books contains much more, and in a good detail. I would definitely recommend it to all the fans of such topics as well as of history in general.

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February 28, 2019

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Looks like this book came from a library. Overall the book is in fair condition. There are no writings on then pages.

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Beaubec

it was in good condition. A fascinating book on the conquest of ...

May 25, 2018

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I was replacing a copy of this book and was thrilled that the same edition was available. While used, it was in good condition. A fascinating book on the conquest of the Aztecs by a Spanish participant. He wrote of his experiences with Cortez when he was an old man, but this book is used frequently as a reference book.

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