Andean Worlds: Indigenous History, Culture, and Consciousness under Spanish Rule, 1532-1825

by Kenneth J. Andrien

This broadly gauged, synthetic study examines how the Spanish invasion of the Inca Empire (called Tawintinsuyu) in 1532 brought dramatic and irreversible transformations in traditional Andean modes of production, technology, politics, religion, culture, and social hierarchies. At the same time, Professor Andrien explains how the indigenous peoples merged these changes with their own political, socioeconomic, and religious traditions. In this way European and indigenous life ways became intertwined, producing a new and constantly evolving hybrid colonial order in the Andes. After beginning with a study of Tawintinsuyu on the eve of the Spanish invasion, Andrien then presents the salient topics in Andean colonial the emergence of the colonial state; the colonial socioeconomic order; indigenous culture and society; Spanish attempts to impose Roman Catholic orthodoxy; and Andean resistance, rebellion, and political consciousness. By drawing on his own research and the contributions from scholars in many disciplines, Kenneth J. Andrien offers a masterful interpretation of Andean colonial history, one of the most dynamic and creative fields in Latin American studies.
"This is a clearly written, comprehensive, and well-balanced account. . . particularly in discussions of the often vexed and central question of Spanish versus Native American issues."--Peter J. Bakewell, Edmund and Louise Kahn Professor of History, Southern Methodist University

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Latin American History

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Na · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most unbiased retelling of the history of the Andean World during the Spanish rule. His explanation of the relationship of two different cultures was wonderful and to the point. Don't read it though without a notepad if this is your introduction to this period. Lots of names and Andrien moves quickly through them. Overall though, a great read.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really easy-to-read book that explains the life and history of Andean peoples during the colonial period by centering THEIR experiences.

[Ellen Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

I managed to get through the US educational system knowing very little about South America. An upcoming vacation has roused me to change that. This was a very readable, understandable, excellent history for a turbulent part of Peruvian history. The American explorers wrote unsatisfactory histories after their early 20th century 'discoveries' and then I found some more more recent, more free-wheeling explorers who also wrote about the region. Nope. This book gives good solid well-researched information. It covers from the fall of the Incan Empire through to about 1820. I need now to learn what happened before this time period and what has happened since, but I feel this book has me covered from 1532-1825.