Books of the Brave: Being an Account of Books and of Men in the Spanish Conquest and Settlement of the Sixteenth-Century New World

Irving A. Leonard's pioneering work, "Books of the Brave," has enduringly documented the introduction of literary culture to the Spanish New World. UC Press's 1992 edition combines Leonard's text with valuable sources, showcasing the failure of royal and inquisitorial prohibitions to control book circulation. Rolena Adorno's introduction emphasizes the book's lasting value and its contribution to cultural-historical studies. It offers insights into the book trade in Spain and America, making it a valuable resource for historians and literary critics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 508 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Irving A. Leonard's groundbreaking work, "Books of the Brave," has stood as a timeless testament to the introduction of literary culture to the Spanish New World since its initial publication in 1949. Leonard's meticulous study meticulously chronicles the fictional works that accompanied and followed the conquistadors as they ventured to the Americas, contending that these popular texts exerted a profound influence on these men and shaped their thoughts and writings about their experiences.

In 1992, UC Press released an edition of "Books of the Brave," which not only includes Leonard's original text but also incorporates a selection of the invaluable documents that served as his primary sources. These nine lists, meticulously compiled, offer a wealth of information that serves as the documentary evidence for Leonard's most significant contribution: his unwavering demonstration that royal and inquisitorial prohibitions failed to impede the circulation of books and ideas in colonial Spanish America.

Rolena Adorno's introduction provides a fresh perspective on the enduring significance of "Books of the Brave," highlighting the advancements in cultural-historical studies that have shed light on the role of books in Spanish American colonial culture. Adorno situates Leonard's work at the crossroads between older, triumphalist narratives of Spanish conquest history and more recent perspectives emerging from studies of Native American peoples.

"Books of the Brave" is a treasure trove for historians and literary critics alike, offering rich descriptions of the book trade in both Spain and America. Indeed, this captivating book appeals to a wide audience, captivating anyone with an interest in the cultural tapestry of the New World.

"Books of the Brave" is proudly part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, a testament to the publisher's unwavering commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a broader audience, and make a lasting impact. Drawing upon a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived celebrates the legacy of UC Press while continuing to push the boundaries of intellectual discourse.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520301948