Skip to content

Booksellers & Trade Customers: Sign up for online bulk buying at trade.atlanticbooks.com for wholesale discounts

Booksellers: Create Account on our B2B Portal for wholesale discounts

The First Letter from New Spain: The Lost Petition of Cortés and His Company, June 20, 1519

by John F. Schwaller , Helen Nader
Sold out
₹2,982.00
Original price ₹2,982.00
Original price ₹2,982.00
₹2,982.00
Current price ₹2,982.00

Imported Edition - Ships in 18-21 Days

Free Shipping in India on orders above Rs. 500

Request Bulk Quantity Quote
+91
Book cover type: Paperback
  • ISBN13: 9781477307632
  • Binding: Paperback
  • Subject: N/A
  • Publisher: University of Texas Press
  • Publisher Imprint: University of Texas Press
  • Publication Date:
  • Pages: 316
  • Original Price: USD 29.95
  • Language: English
  • Edition: Reprint
  • Item Weight: 459 grams
  • BISAC Subject(s): Latin America / Mexico

The founding of la Villa Rica de la Veracruz (the rich town of the True Cross) is prominently mentioned in histories of the conquest of Mexico, but scant primary documentation of the provocative act exists. During a research session at the Spanish archives, when John Schwaller discovered an early-sixteenth-century letter from Veracruz signed by the members of Cort�s's company, he knew he had found a trove of historical details. Providing an accessible, accurate translation of this pivotal correspondence, along with in-depth examinations of its context and significance, The First Letter from New Spain gives all readers access to the first document written from the mainland of North America by any European, and the only surviving original document from the first months of the conquest.

The timing of Cort�s's Good Friday landing, immediately before the initial assault on the Aztec Empire, enhances the significance of this work. Though the expedition was conducted under the authority of Diego Vel�zquez, governor of Cuba, the letter reflects an attempt to break ties with Vel�zquez and form a strategic alliance with Carlos V, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. Brimming with details about the events surrounding Veracruz's inception and accompanied by mini-biographies of 318 signers of the document--socially competitive men who risked charges of treason by renouncing Vel�zquez--The First Letter from New Spain gives evidence of entrepreneurship and other overlooked traits that fueled the conquest.

Trusted for over 48 years

Family Owned Company

Secure Payment

All Major Credit Cards/Debit Cards/UPI & More Accepted

New & Authentic Products

India's Largest Distributor

Need Support?

Whatsapp Us