History of the Conquest of Mexico

By: W.H. Prescott

Narrated by: Kerry Shale

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1519, Hernando Cortés arrived in Mexico to investigate stories of a wealthy empire. What he encountered was beyond his wildest dreams; an advanced civilization with complex artistic, political, and religious systems (involving extensive human sacrifice) and replete with gold. This was the Aztec empire, headed by the aloof emperor, Montezuma.

With just a handful of men, Cortés achieved the impossible, crushing the Aztecs and their allies, and effectively annexing the whole territory for Spain.

One of the most extraordinary stories of conquest in mankind's history, it is told here in the classic account by the American historian W.H. Prescott.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

A very basic overview of the conquest of Mexico

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book presents of basic overview of the conquest of Mexico. It would be acceptable for someone who has no prior knowledge of the history of conquest. If you have some understanding of the invasion of Mexico, you will probably not learn much from this book.

My only wish...

It was a good book considering it was written in the 1840's. My only issue was that they should had a narrator with at least intermediate knowledge of the Spanish language. The names, tribes and locations were pronounced literally as to totally make them unrecognizable and at times, inaccurate. Aside from that, a pretty good narration.

Holy guacamole

This was incredible. I can’t believe Cortes was able to fit his giant balls inside a suit of armor. The mexicans(Aztecs as they are referred to often) balls are undoubtedly bigger if not equal in size. The cajones on these mfers back in the day must have been of prehistoric size. What a great story, and the best adventure I know.

Gripping story

This is pre-PC history (the graphic descriptions of human sacrifice among the Aztecs are labeled "barbaric," for example--but the history is accurate and not Euro-centric. The narrative is detailed, but never anything but exciting.

History made alive!

I really enjoyed listening to this account. I look forward to listening to more of the same.

Remember it was written in the 1800´s

This is a short and good narrative of the conquest of Mexico. You need to consider it was written in the 1800´s and the point of view and expressions of the author are sometimes chaotic of what the Europeans found in Mexico. Also since 1970 many discoveries have been made in Mexico City that now clarify facts about religion, war and Aztec society, unknown at the time the book was written. I found very odd that they chose a narrator that did not know the correct pronunciation in Spanish or Nahuatl. I think it is critical to pronounce the names correctly - Malinche - is refer to as "Ma-lin-ke" which is incorrect. Anyway, a good compliment to the books written by the Frailes and Spanish conquistadors.

Mel Gibson missed an opportunity to do a really good movie

As the author concludes, the story reads more like a myth than actual history. The deeds of Cortez and his men are legendary and almost unbelievable. It is a victory and tragedy all at the same time. It captures the imagination of how quickly an empire that was 300 years in the making could be dissolved within such a short period of time anyone who listens to it will enjoy it.

A book that every Mexican should read

I am Mexican and after reading this book I can only say that I wish my history teachers would have been able to explain & teach the History of the Conquest of Mexico in such an objective & engaging manner. It developed in me deep curiosity and interest for a subject that I have never been interested in before. Definitely I think it is a book that every Mexican should read. I recommend it very much. Great book!

Remarkable

Prescott is remarkable in his eloquent diction and fast-moving narrative. It's true that this account is "pre-PC" in the sense that he uses terms like "barbarian", but it appears very accurate and Prescott tries to let actions speak for themselves, rather than projecting his own viewpoint into them. Prescott's focus seems to be creating a well-written and enjoyable readable account rather than placing blame or advancing a political agenda, as is sadly the case with many contemporary historical accounts.

In summary, great traveling reading for the student of history or casual listener...well-written/adapted work and similarly good narration.

Excellent Narrative

An excellent narrative of the conquest of Mexico. Primarily focused on the military campaign against the Aztecs, does not shed much light on external conditions of the time. Very enjoyable narrative that sheds light on the heinous and greed-driven march by the Spaniards. Overall, the book is quite generous on heaping respect on Cortez despite his despicable and treacherous actions the native tribes.

The biggest complaint against the book is the pompous and superfluous text. The author simply refuses to use standard English and resorts to pretentious language at every opportunity he's given.