Lesley Byrd Simpson – författare

Perhaps no country's history is as fascinating and perplexing as that of Mexico. "Mother Mexico," land of paradox, of contradiction and extreme--these are the strands that Lesley Byrd Simpson weaves into a unified fabric in presenting the country's history. First published in 1941, Many Mexicos was awarded the Commonwealth Club Gold Medal for Literature. Travelers, students, and all who delight in the adventure of narrative history have since treasured the volume for its clarity and readability. Now, completely revised, the Silver Anniversary Edition reflects the vast published output of these past twenty-five years on the history of Mexico. Some chapters have been enlarged, others corrected. A map of Mexico showing political subdivisions is now included, and, in general, new material has been added to document the author's controversial statement (and there are many). Bloody conquests and revolutions; men, good or evil; art, religion, and institutions brought from Spain or made in Mexico; topography and climate; the conflict of cultures and races; and finally, the emergence of Mexico into today's bewildering world--this in broad outline is the absorbing story Mr.Simpson so warmly presents.

The Encomienda in New Spain explores the historical institution of encomienda, which was a critical feature of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico and the broader Americas. The encomienda system was based on the feudal model, where Spanish conquerors were granted the labor of indigenous peoples in exchange for providing protection and Christian instruction. This book examines how the encomienda evolved from its initial form—often resembling slavery—to a more complex system shaped by legal and religious reforms. Through careful research, the study traces the historical development and eventual decline of the encomienda, especially after the passage of the New Laws of 1542, which aimed to reduce its exploitative elements.The volume presents a detailed and nuanced understanding of the encomienda’s impact on indigenous populations, shedding light on the practices and justifications that shaped this institution. While the encomienda initially served the interests of the Spanish crown and its conquistadors, it gradually became a system that provided economic and social stability, albeit through significant abuses of power. By using original documents, contemporary reports, and historical analysis, the author paints a more complete picture of the encomienda’s role in colonial society. The book also delves into the broader implications of the encomienda system, comparing its practices to those in other Spanish colonies and examining its long-term effects on Mexican society and its indigenous people.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1982.

The Encomienda in New Spain explores the historical institution of encomienda, which was a critical feature of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico and the broader Americas. The encomienda system was based on the feudal model, where Spanish conquerors were granted the labor of indigenous peoples in exchange for providing protection and Christian instruction. This book examines how the encomienda evolved from its initial form—often resembling slavery—to a more complex system shaped by legal and religious reforms. Through careful research, the study traces the historical development and eventual decline of the encomienda, especially after the passage of the New Laws of 1542, which aimed to reduce its exploitative elements.The volume presents a detailed and nuanced understanding of the encomienda’s impact on indigenous populations, shedding light on the practices and justifications that shaped this institution. While the encomienda initially served the interests of the Spanish crown and its conquistadors, it gradually became a system that provided economic and social stability, albeit through significant abuses of power. By using original documents, contemporary reports, and historical analysis, the author paints a more complete picture of the encomienda’s role in colonial society. The book also delves into the broader implications of the encomienda system, comparing its practices to those in other Spanish colonies and examining its long-term effects on Mexican society and its indigenous people.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1982.