History of the Conquest of Mexico Audiobook By W.H. Prescott cover art

History of the Conquest of Mexico

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History of the Conquest of Mexico

By: W.H. Prescott
Narrated by: Kerry Shale
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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. Americas Mexico Conquest Mexico

Editorial reviews

In his 1843 work History of the Conquest of Mexico, W. H. Prescott crafts a scholarly but absorbing tale of Hernando Cortés’ takeover of Mexico.

A Spanish conquistador, Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 with only 500 men. Through strategic alliances with native people and savage violence, Cortés began to conquer Mayan territory. His biggest plunders came when he arrived in the city of Tenochtitlan (described by Prescott as the "Venice of the Western World"). Once there, the Aztec ruler Montezuma tried to placate Cortés with gifts to no avail.

Kerry Shale, who has the rich vocal presence of a newscaster but the delivery of a storyteller, offers a riveting performance of Prescott’s work.

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Engaging Narrative • Accurate History • Eloquent Diction • Objective Account • Gripping Adventure
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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.

A very basic overview of the conquest of Mexico

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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.

Holy guacamole

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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.

Remember it was written in the 1800´s

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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.

Mel Gibson missed an opportunity to do a really good movie

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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.

My only wish...

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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.

Gripping story

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

History made alive!

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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!

A book that every Mexican should read

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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.

Remarkable

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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.

Excellent Narrative

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