Cortes the Conqueror

Among the very best books ever written about the leader of the Spanish Conquistadors, Cortés the Conqueror captures the complexity and power of Cortés and portrays the full depth of his character-a man of bravery, ambition, fierce intelligence, skill, and charm, who modeled himself on Alexander the Great, and who, against incredible odds, led the conquest of Mexico. The author defends Cortés against many of the charges that have been made against him, and situates him in the proper context of his time and place. Sedgwick also admirably conveys the adventure and daring of Cortés' comrades, young men "whose spirit was impatient of the tedious conventions of an old established social order, who ... desired a new land and new opportunities." Long out of print, Cortés the Conqueror is now available again in a completely new edition from Sunwise Books.