
Conquistador
Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs
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Narrated by:
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Patrick Lawlor
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By:
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Buddy Levy
In 1519 Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of Mexico, determined not only to expand the Spanish empire but to convert the natives to Catholicism and carry off a fortune in gold. That he saw nothing paradoxical in his intentions is one of the most remarkable and tragic aspects of this unforgettable story.
In Tenochtitlán, Cortés met his Aztec counterpart, Montezuma: king, divinity, and commander of the most powerful military in the Americas. Yet in less than two years, Cortés defeated the entire Aztec nation in one of the most astounding battles ever waged.
The story of a lost kingdom, a relentless conqueror, and a doomed warrior, Conquistador is history at its most riveting.
©2008 Buddy Levy (P)2008 TantorListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"Drawing heavily on both Spanish and Aztec sources...Levy gives a straightforward telling of the entire story.... Well-written.... Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)
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This will give you the rest of the story.
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History I have never heard.
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An Awesome Story Well Told
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Randy
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a very engaging listen.
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Awe inspiring
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amazing amazing amazing
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Cortés conquered them partly through some good luck, but also with a personality that was driven to succeed and willing to take risks and creative and daring strategy. On landing in Mexico, he scuttled his ships so that his soldiers would not be able to give up. He used impressive cavalry displays (the natives had never seen horses before) and the magic and thunder of cannons to impress the first tribes he met, some of whom were tributaries of the empire, and others who were enemies. He battled those who would not bargain for peace and made allies of those who were willing to do so, or whom he had conquered. But, he was also brutal and cruel. When he reached Tenochtitlán, he was in awe of its splendor and wealth.
The story of how he was able to conquer the city and kill the god-emperor Montezuma is told in a form that almost makes it seem like a novel. The description of the city, the battles, the intrigue, was captivating. The cruelty, not just of Cortés, but also the Aztecs, was graphic and gruesome. The Aztec religion required continual human sacrifices, which was part of the tribute that surrounding tribes had to pay. There were boys who were specifically raised to become sacrifices where their heart was cut out while still alive to be offered to the gods. They purposely tried not to kill their enemy in battle, because they wanted to bring them back to their temple alive to be sacrificed to the gods, and eaten by the warriors.
It is part of the sad history of conquest in the Americas, and even sadder because much of it was done in the name of the Catholic Church. At the same time, it’s also hard to cheer for a civilization so cruel and barbaric as the Aztecs. But, it is history and this book takes a part of it and makes it at least interesting to read. Unfortunately, the narrator's voice when quoting Cortés was grating.
Brutal and graphic but engaging
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I think the narrator is excellent. I dont understand many other critics about the narrator immitating the spanish dialects. First of all, his English is excellent and pleasent, you must give him credit for that. I heard many terrible narrators that makes you stop want to listen because of their voice, being the pitch, the monotonic voice, or whatever else unpleasant to hear. This one was excellent!
Now, for the spanish immitation... that is actually funny. Yes, it is far from the exact, ofcourse Cortez did not speak in English with spanish dialect to his captains, but spoke spanish. But it give a whole new dimension to the people that hear:
1. It breaks the 'story telling' pattern of reading
2. It emphesizes when Cortez or his captains spoke, so it makes it easier to follow,
3. It is funny, not bad!
Go for the book! the narrator is excellent!
Interesting book, GOOD narrator
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Unbelievable
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