The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo - Volume 1

By: Bernal Díaz Del Castilllo, John Ingram Lockhart - translator

Narrated by: David Prickett

Relive the history, adventure, tension and dangers faced by the Conquistadors, led by Hernan Cortes - the Alexander of the Americas - as they make their way along the coast of the new world before delving deep into it’s heartland to clash wits and do battle with the mighty Aztec Emperor Moctesuma (aka Moctezuma, aka Montezuma).

This memoir is an autobiographical account of the events as witnessed by Bernal Diaz - a Conquistador on that journey - a man from Spain who desperately hoped to carve out a life of riches for himself in the new world and instead found himself on an epic journey of conquest, whilst desperately fighting to stay alive, in previously unknown and unimagined lands. This is a true tale written in his own hand and translated into English.

It is a gripping account of the events from the soldiers' viewpoint as each day becomes a battle for survival against incredible odds and could easily be mistaken for a work of fiction. Each chapter is filled with jaw dropping details of the journey into that world - a journey that has long since been forgotten and can now be rediscovered. It is a true tale of exploration, adventure and daring that recaptures the spirit of the age and the uncertainties of life as each side struggles to come to grips with the first cataclysmic meeting between two empires from the old and new worlds.

This is a chapter by chapter account of how these two powerful forces dealt with the knowledge of each others existence and is a very personal account of the journey of this one Conquistador. A tale made even more compelling by virtue of the fact that it is 100 percent true – yet 100 percent unbelievable.

Public Domain (P)2018 David Prickett

It’s a better read

The narrator couldn’t bother to learn how to pronounce Spanish names. I understand that the native names and words can be difficult but there’s no excuse for butchering the Spanish language.

Perceived truthful account of the incredible story of treats of character non existing in modern society

The narrative is full of details which play important role in planning and executing of Cortes endeavors, with excellent descriptions of individual characters of conquistadors and Indian leaders, particularly Montezuma. That convince reader about authenticity of the author account. Reader cannot escape comparison with modern times with low quality of leaders, which easy life conditions do not create. These conditions give presently upper hand not to “doers” but rather “objectors” preventing any action. This book makes clear than judging the past times by modern standards is foolish, particularly that those who do it are ignorant of life realities of the past. It seems that the author intension was to present the TRUTH, which should be an ultimate goal of any action, and presently seems to be forgotten in our times overloaded with meaningless information.

Epic!! True!! Sad!!

Extremely Entertaining! especially if your into listening to true historical events, & there's no true historical event quite like this one

Fantastic story, wrong narrator

You simply cannot avoid this story if you're curious about the conquest of Mexico. This account is written in a detailed and linear manner that I think is critical for a listener like myself, who (was) generally unfamiliar with this history. I truly can't wait to listen to the next part.

However, it is incredibly frustrating to hear the story read by a gentleman with an Aussie accent. Why anyone thought that was a good idea is.... absolutely maddening.

Get it. Easily worth a credit.

Must read for history buffs.

A great read that reads like a movie. A traditionalist overview from one that was there of the Spanish perspective.