This volume presents a selection of the most compelling political writings from early colonial Latin America that address the themes of conquest, colonialism, and enslavement. It will be invaluable for students and scholars of Latin American political thought and other fields in the social sciences and humanities. Katherine Hoyt prepared extensive introductory material that introduces readers to each of the writers, contextualizing their ideas and the controversies surrounding them. The anthology centers the voices of Indigenous peoples, whose writings constitute six of the fifteen chapters while also including women's, African, and Jewish perspectives. Included among the writings are the foundation narrative of the Kaqchiquel Maya and an example of "mirror of princes" literature in which Inca writer Guaman Poma advises the King of Spain on how to better govern Peru. Spanish priests Bartolome de Las Casas and Alonso de la Vera Cruz make contributions to the philosophical writings of the School of Salamanca on natural law as they relate to the peoples of the Americas. Other writers protest the inhumanity of the trade in enslaved Africans and the Inquisition. A volume such as this one brings greater nuance to our understanding of the continent's past, helping us to envision a more inclusive future.
Katherine Hoyt holds a Ph.D. in Political Theory from Rutgers University and is the author of The Many Faces of Sandinista Democracy.
Introduction Chapter 1: The Kaqchikel Maya: "Go to Where You Will See Your Mountains." The Annals of the Cakchiquels Chapter 2: Christopher Columbus: "Took Possession of That Island for the King and Queen" Christopher Columbus' Log of His First Voyage to America Chapter 3: Antonio de Montesinos: "Are They Not Human Beings?" The 1511 Sermon of Antonio de Montesinos Chapter 4: Bartolome de Las Casas: "This Is against All Divine and Human Laws" The 1550 Debate of Bartolome de Las Casas against Juan Gines de Sepulveda Chapter 5: Alonso de la Vera Cruz: "The Spaniards Cannot Have Just Dominion." Defense of the Indians: Their Rights, A Discussion by the Reverend Father Alonso de la Vera Cruz (1553) Chapter 6: Isabel de Guevara: "This Was Men's Work." Letter of Isabel de Guevara to the Princess Juana Chapter 7: Council of Huejotzingo: "Our Fathers Knew No Tribute." Letter from the Council of Huejotzingo to King Philip II, 1560 Chapter 8: Bernardino de Sahagun: "I Assembled All the Leaders." General History of the Things of New Spain: Florentine Codex Chapter 9: The Inca Titu Cusi Yupanqui: "The Natural Lords that Used to Rule Peru" Titu Cusi Yupanqui's Account of the Conquest of Peru Chapter 10: Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa: "The Horrible Tyranny of the Incas" Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa's History of the Incas Chapter 11: Alonso de Illescas: "Suspend the Expedition" Alonso de Illescas to the Crown, 24 February 1586 Chapter 12: Luis de Carvajal the Younger: "May the Lord God of Israel Enlighten Them" The Autobiography and Inquisition Trial of Luis de Carvajal, the Younger Chapter 13: El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega: "Past Greatness and Prosperity" The Royal Commentaries of the Incas (1609) and General History of Peru (1617) of El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Chapter 14: Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala: "Indians Should Not Be Abused" The First New Chronicle and Good Government by Guaman Poma Chapter 15: Alonso de Sandoval: "The Souls of Blacks Are as Important as Those of Whites." Alonso de Sandoval's De instauranda Aethiopum salute
