ePub History of How the Spaniards Arrived in Peru (Relasýýion de como los Espaýýoles Entraron en el Peru); Dual-Language Edition (English and Spanish Edition) by Diego De Castro Titu Cusi Yupangui; Diego De Castro Titu Cusi Yupanqui in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of the Last Incan Rulers Speaks in His Own Voice (Mostly).By Jack E. Holt; IIIThis book is excellent.It is a new translation of an original document "composed" by an Incan leader; Titu Cusi Yupanqui; using an Augustan friar as a translator. It was sent by Titu Cusi with an envoy to the King of Spain asking for the King to intervene and grant Titu Cusi relief from Spanish depredations. It is a fascinating re-telling (or maybe alternative telling) of the first contact between the Incans and the Spanish in the early 16th century. As you might expect; Titu Cusi leaves out much that he might have written about his own culture. There is no explanation of human sacrifice; the relationship between the Inca rulers and their vassals from the coastal regions; etc. Titu Cusi goes to great lengths in fact to portray himself as a newly converted Christian and a loyal subject of the Spainish King.But; even so; it is more than just an apologia for Titu Cusi. You can see the legend of his own father's rule that he received with some of the narrative strokes that represent authentic Incan modes of thinking and conveying (family) history. It also explains some important Incan concepts for the King.And It is also more than a mere translation.It is a dual-language ediiton where you can read the original Spanish on the left side and the modern English translation on the right. It is blessed with clear and ample footnotes on the Spanish text to assist in understanding some of the nuances of 16th century Spanish forms (orthography). But the English introduction and footnotes are priceless. They are concise; not overly technical; and clear; and they assisted me in understanding obscure aspects of Incan culture referred to in the work. The unobtrusive footnotes also highlight areas where Titu Cusi's account is reinforced by other early Spanish authors and by the official reports made to the Spanish govenrment. In many places; too; the footnotes also point out some errors (or perhaps purposeful exaggerations) made by the original Incan author.The universality of politics and political expression --16th century "spin;" if you will --is also illuminating. Titu Cusi was an adroit survivor who was preparing a political message for the King of Spain. That comes across in several instances where the words are carefully chosen for maximum effect on the "Holy" Roman Emperor.So; in summary; I loved this book not just for its core content; but also for its readability and concise introduction and footnotes.I do want to note: There is another translation prepared by Ralph Bauer that was published slightly earlier than this one and I have also begun to read that translation. So far; I prefer the readability of this translation. But I think Mr. Bauer's notes are very detailed and also very illuminating. His work is also very good. It would not be a bad thing to have both versions.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy ShubusRegrettably a good number of typos in Spanish mar this book. Apparently no proofreading was done.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JUAN A.Nice; thanks