First published 1945
This historical account for young readers traces the dramatic collision between ancient American civilizations and European conquistadors. Shippen chronicles the sophisticated Aztec, Mayan, and Inca societies before their encounters with Spanish invaders. The narrative follows the conquistadors' relentless pursuit of gold and glory, including their obsessive quest for the legendary El Dorado. Christian missionaries arrive alongside the soldiers, transforming indigenous cultures and beliefs. The story continues through centuries of colonial rule until revolutionary movements sweep across Latin America, as colonized peoples fight to break free from European powers. Shippen presents these sweeping historical changes through the experiences of the people who lived them, showing how entire civilizations rose, clashed, and ultimately gave birth to new nations.
Genres: historical-fiction, young-adult, non-fiction, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: clash-of-civilizations, rise-and-fall
Setting: Latin America, Europe
Period: Pre-Columbian, Colonial Era, Age of Revolution
262 pages · Hardcover · The Viking Press
Content warnings: colonialism