44 pages • 1 hour read
Matthew RestallSeven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall challenges and deconstructs seven widely accepted myths about the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, critiquing the traditional narratives crafted by colonial writers and adopted by modern historians. Restall uses Spanish and Nahuatl primary sources, as well as Indigenous and African perspectives, to provide a fuller and more accurate account of Conquest history, emphasizing the roles of Indigenous allies, free and enslaved Africans, and other overlooked factors. The book urges readers to question accepted truths and place historical events in a broader context.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Matthew Restall's Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is lauded for its rigor and clarity, debunking long-held misconceptions about the Spanish Conquest with fresh perspectives and thorough research. Critics appreciate its accessible prose and critical approach, although some note it can be repetitive. Overall, it's a valuable contribution to historiography.
Who Should Read Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest?
Readers who appreciate Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall are history enthusiasts and scholars interested in debunking misconceptions about the Spanish Conquest. Comparable works include Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel.