Hernan Cortes: The Life of a Spanish Conquistador

by David West, Jackie Gaff, Jim Eldridge (Illustrator)

Adventurous explorer or ruthless imperialist? In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés led a daring expedition to the heart of the Aztec Empire, in what is now central and southern Mexico. Within two years, this highly advanced civilization had fallen to the might of Cortés's Spanish conquerors, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Aztecs. This engaging title explores two cultures in conflict--and the personality of a man driven by both insatiable greed and service to his country.

Genres: History

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

David West is a graphic designer, illustrator and author of children's information books. He has produced over 500 titles on subjects ranging from dinosaurs and mythology to technology and science. Some of his best known titles include Brain Surgery for Beginners, 53 1/2 Things that Changed the World and Dinosaurs in My Street.

David went to art school in Kingston-upon-Thames and Harrow, where he specialised in information graphics. He lives in south west London with his wife, two sons, a cat and a goldfish who's over 14 years old.

When he's not illustrating, writing and designing he can be found fishing for salmon in Scottish rivers or painting portraits for fun.

Reviews

[Helen]

This is a basic recounting of the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish conquistador Cortes told in graphic novel form. I found it interesting - similar to viewing of a storyboard of a film. Cortes was certainly a ruthless money-hungry conqueror but we also find out he had astute leadership skills. I enjoyed the character of the female conquistadora Maria de Estrada - ready to confront any man who might bother her, as fierce as the male conquistadors. Whether or not she really existed on Cortes' expedition, at least an example of a fighting woman was included in the narrative.

I would recommend the book to adults or teens. It has a good balance of heroism and cynicism. The afterword - describing what happened to Cortes in later life - was also important. He was relieved of his leadership post in New Spain, then lost a large part of his fortune, and finally died in a shipwreck taking part in a Spanish expedition against Algiers.

[Duane]

If your interested in this subject matter, then this is a good book for you. Done in a graphic novel writing style, this book will appeal to non readers of any age.

[Elle Kay]

Cortes was quite a controversial gold digger in his day. Brutal and greedy. This graphic depiction is simple and to the point. Informative and succinct. It would be a great book to use in schools.