John L. Kessell’s Spain in the Southwest presents a fast-paced; abundantly illustrated history of the Spanish colonies that became the states of New Mexico; Arizona; Texas; and California. With an eye for human interest; Kessell tells the story of New Spain’s vast frontier--today’s American Southwest and Mexican North--which for two centuries served as a dynamic yet disjoined periphery of the Spanish empire. Chronicling the period of Hispanic activity from the time of Columbus to Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821; Kessell traces the three great swells of Hispanic exploration; encounter; and influence that rolled north from Mexico across the coasts and high deserts of the western borderlands. Throughout this sprawling historical landscape; Kessell treats grand themes through the lives of individuals. He explains the frequent cultural clashes and accommodations in remarkably balanced terms. Stereotypes; the author writes; are of no help. Indians could be arrogant and brutal; Spaniards caring; and vice versa. If we select the facts to fit preconceived notions; we can make the story come out the way we want; but if the peoples of the colonial Southwest are seen as they really were--more alike than diverse; sharing similar inconstant natures--then we need have no favorites.
#1879548 in Books University of Oklahoma Press 1989-03-15 1987-07-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .61 x 5.25l; .73 #File Name: 0806121661252 pages
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