1855 Prescott's Works Conquest Of Mexico Set Of 3 Vols Hc/gc Rare Antique Books

  

PRESCOTT'S WORKS CONQUEST OF MEXICO by William H. Harper & Brothers New York, 1855, 22d edition.

Frontispiece with Tissue overlay, Illustrated. Very scarce complete set, includes rare historical content. It is a magnificent epic, said William H. Prescott after the publication of History of the Conquest of Mexico in 1843. Account of Cortés's subjugation of the Aztec people has endured as a landmark work of scholarship and dramatic storytelling.

This pioneering study presents a compelling view of the clash of civilizations that reverberates in Latin America to this day. Cortes embarks from Cuba with the aim of claiming Mexico for Spain. Arriving in the capital, he is made welcome by the divine ruler, Montezuma, and the two men become friends.

Montezuma comes to believe that Cortes is, in fact, the ancient Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl. Cortes' attempts to convert Montezuma to Christianity fail. He takes his counterpart prisoner, but within chivalrous limits. The arrival of a new body of Spaniards, seeking to overthrow Cortes, whom they see as a vainglorious rebel, screws up the tension.

Eventually, Montezuma dies and a fierce, bloody battle ensues.