The History of the Conquest of Peru

By William H. Prescott

Originally published in 1847, History of the Conquest of Peru, a companion volume to William H. Prescott's masterly History of the Conquest of Mexico, continues his vivid chronicle of Spanish exploits in the New World. The book's commanding vision of Pizarro's tumultuous overthrow of the Inca empire has secured its reputation as a classic in the literature of Latin American history.

'History of the Conquest of Peru represents an author's triumph over his materials,' observed Donald G. Darnell, one of the historian's several biographers. 'Prescott exploits to the fullest any opportunities for dramatic effects that history might provide him. . . . If there is one [distinguishing] feature of the Conquest of Peru . . . it is the portrayal of the Spanish character, that striking fusion of courage, cruelty, pride, and gallows humor. . . . We seem to be overhearing dialogue and observing firsthand the interaction between the Spaniards as they struggle for control of an empire. . . . Although Peru lacks a noble protagonist . . . it is still an immensely readable history. The description of the Inca civilization, particularly its wealth, the precise explanation of the cause of the conflict between the conquerors, and the depiction of the Spanish character--these together with the careful research, the sheer abundance of anecdotes, and the exploitation of primary materials all contribute to the history's continuing popularity.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 1, 2000
• ISBN: 9780679641773

Reviews for The History of the Conquest of Peru

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Prescott and Parkman are the two big American Romantic Historians, and I've read them both. While there are now better books on this topic, Prescott is still a good man for an epigraph, when your chapters require one. It reads well, and my 1942 Everyman's library reprint fit well in my luggage for a trip. The book was published in 1847, nearly the three hundredth anniversary.

[naggedman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Quite superb piece of writing, very much of its time (early 19th century) and no doubt overtaken in research terms but a true joy to read. Seccombe's introduction also well worth reading but leave it until you have enjoyed the book itself - and the 19th century perspective on this amazing story of the Spanish conquistadores and their doings.

[hippietrail · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the "sequel" to Prescott's History of the Conquest of Mexico, first published a couple of years before "Peru". The style is the same but the story is very different. Now I find myself wondering why nobody's made a movie! One minor complaint is that after reading both books, some of the author's favourite turns of phrase began to ring in my ears like clichés. It is interesting to not both the differences in the way language was used in the time of writing compared to today as well as the difference in the way the world was interpreted by the conquerors compared to the time of writing and then compared again to our present time.