51 pages • 1 hour read
Bartolome de Las CasasA Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1552A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Bartolome de Las Casas documents the genocide of indigenous peoples in the Americas from 1509-1542. Written as an appeal to Charles V of Spain, it condemns Spanish atrocities, urges protective legislation, and argues against granting new colonization licenses. The text is a chronological and geographically focused account, highlighting the devastation inflicted on native populations and landscapes. Descriptions of violence and cruelty are prevalent throughout the work.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bartolome de Las Casas' A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies offers a powerful, harrowing depiction of the Spanish colonial atrocities. Critics praise its vivid narrative and historical significance. However, some find its repetitive nature challenging. Overall, it's a crucial, impactful work for understanding colonial history.
Who Should Read A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies?
A reader who would enjoy A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Bartolome de Las Casas is interested in early colonial history, social justice, and human rights. Comparable to readers of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown and The Other Slavery by Andrés Reséndez, they seek to understand historical injustices and indigenous perspectives.