The most intense and exciting historical account I have ever read, and from a perspective I find unusual. As modern postcolonialists, we all look back on conquistadors with scorn and horror. But to get the point of view of a proud conquistador, a man who's actually really good about characterizing the mindset of the time, it unbelievably fascinating. Diaz writes in a perfectly ordinary and down-to-earth tone about killing hundreds, toppling governments, plotting secretly, smashing gods, and doing all sorts of absolutely wild and outrageous things. He writes about some things with regret, but about more things with a very satisfied tone, a back-in-those-days-you-would-never-have-guessed-how-magnificent-we-were tone. There's resentment and hatred for Cortes, but also unquestioning loyalty and admiration. There's an unusual attitude towards Montezuma-- the man they kept in a degrading state of imprisonment but respected like an uncle. There's an apocalyptic air about the whole affair: you can feel the sliminess-on-the-skin Diaz felt about watching this whole society crumble around him. And it's an action story, too: battles every other page, sacrifices, magnificent victories, harrowing losses, camaraderie, a Mayan princess, heaps of gold, marvellous characterizations of conquistadors and Aztec lords alike (you'll notice, though, as in Aztec society in general, the commoners are invisible), epic showdowns, legends, the whole thing. Everything seems so incredibly alive. But it's not just blind pride, either: Diaz has a complex relationship to his past that you get the sense he's trying to partially hide. He is very guilty about enslaving certain of the natives and he does seem to really admire the achievements of Aztec civilization, and is sad that they can no longer even be seen-- the temples are burned, the books destroyed, people like Montezuma reduced to puppets.

Anyway, if you like history AT ALL, please read this. It's an essential source when it comes to understanding the subjugation of native Mexico. It's also a damn good story. Read it in tandem with Broken Spears to get both sides of the story, native and Spanish. ( )

This is the book (not this copy, but the Penguin paperback) that got me hooked on the history of the Aztecs and the conquest of Mexico. In fact, this book got me reading history books much more regularly. By far one of the most fascinating events in history, and one of the most interesting first-hand accounts written (even if Diaz wasn't even there, as some suppose!) This particular set is spectacular with uncut pages, decorations, illustrations, maps (plates, fold-outs, loose in pockets, and one portfolio of them), heavy paper, full cloth, etc. ( )

"And so we had morning Mass and headed out to conquer the savages for God and relieve them of their idolic gold." It's a great chronicle, written by a soldier and participant in Cortez's compaign to conquer Mexico. Bernal Diaz lived from 1492 to about 1580. His is the only chronicle written by a participant and arguably the most reliable, the others heavily criticized by him and others as modified for political purposes. ( )

It's not the Iliad, but in some ways it is more historically interesting, while still maintaining a dramatic style.

This soldier's first-hand account of Cortes' conquest of Mexico is compelling and straightforward. Many details, such as what was seen on their travels, the movements of the ragtag army, and the various alliances and betrayals, bring the story to life.

I am not one to judge what is fact and what is fiction, though. Even if this account is 100% honest, it may still be untrue in many places due to the unreliable nature of recalling many years-old memories. In footnotes, Cohen points out several lines which are unreliable or very likely wrong, mostly names of places or durations of time. I have not read Cortes' own letters about the conquest, but I can only imagine that they are more flexible in their honesty due to political considerations than the account by Diaz. ( )

http://www.fireandsword.com/Reviews/c...

This is a grunt’s eye view of Cortes’ conquest of Mexico. Bernal Diaz was a gentleman soldier who came to the New World to seek his fortune. He saw Spain’s greatest conquest at first hand in all its grit, glory, and gory excess. The book is not exactly an apologia, few thought an apology necessary at the time. Rather it was written to set the record straight regarding other Spanish chroniclers who Diaz felt had distorted Cortes' record. ( )