The Chronicle of Discovery and Conquest of Guinea in two volumes is a historical source which is considered the main authority for the early Portuguese voyages of discovery down the African coast and in the ocean, more especially for those undertaken under the auspices of Prince Henry the Navigator. The work is written by Portuguese chronicler Zurara and is serves as the principal historical source for modern conception of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Henrican age of Portuguese discoveries (although Zurara only covers part of it, the period 1434-1448). Zurara's chronicle is openly hagiographic of the prince and reliant on his recollections. It contains some account of the life work of that prince, and has a biographical as a geographical interest.
Contains the translation and edition of chapters 1-40 of the chronicle, continued in First Series 100. This is a new print-on-demand hardback edition of the volume first published in 1896.
The publications of the Hakluyt Society (founded in 1846) made available edited (and sometimes translated) early accounts of exploration. The first series, which ran from 1847 to 1899, consists of 100 books containing published or previously unpublished works by authors from Christopher Columbus to Sir Francis Drake, and covering voyages to the New World, to China and Japan, to Russia and to Africa and India. Gomes Eanes de Zurara (c.1410-1474) was a Portuguese writer appointed to chronicle the life of Prince Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) and the expeditions he sponsored. Zurara's chronicle of the discovery of Guinea appeared in this two-volume English translation in 1896-1899. The editors' preface includes an account of the voyages of exploration along the African coast sponsored by Prince Henry until 1448, together with biographical information about the author. Volume 2 contains chapters 41-97 of the Chronicle.
The Chronicle of Discovery and Conquest of Guinea in two volumes is a historical source which is considered the main authority for the early Portuguese voyages of discovery down the African coast and in the ocean, more especially for those undertaken under the auspices of Prince Henry the Navigator. The work is written by Portuguese chronicler Zurara and is serves as the principal historical source for modern conception of Prince Henry the Navigator and the Henrican age of Portuguese discoveries (although Zurara only covers part of it, the period 1434-1448). Zurara's chronicle is openly hagiographic of the prince and reliant on his recollections. It contains some account of the life work of that prince, and has a biographical as a geographical interest.
Pedro de Cieza de León was, on the whole, the most important historian, and is now the best authority, on ancient Peru, so far as his work has reached us; for he was a great traveller, and an eye-witness of much that he described. For all the events at which he was not present he received evidence from many actors in them. He was an intelligent observer, humane and conscientious, striving after impartiality; and though an enthusiastic admirer of the valour and endurance of his countrymen, he was horrified at their acts of cruelty, which he denounces in no measured terms. Unfortunately only one part of his great work was published near the time; other parts long lost have been found and published in recent years, and some yet remain to be discovered. I, the first part, published in 1553, was the "Cronica," which is mainly geographical. II, the second part, was the History and Religion of the Incas; III, the Conquest of Peru; IV, V, VI, and VII, the Civil Wars, viz.—1 War of Las Salinas, 2 War of Chupas, 3 War of Quito, and 4 War of Huarina and Sacsahuana. III and VII are still lost to us. Cieza de León also wrote a book entitled "Libro de Fundaciones," to which he frequently refers the reader for fuller details respecting habits and customs of Indian tribes and other particulars. That work is also lost. The Council of the Hakluyt Society selected the first part of the "Cronica" of Cieza de León to form a volume of its series in 1864, and the translation and editing were entrusted to me. It is a valuable contribution to the geography of the Cauca valley in Colombia, and of Peru; while the author's account of the coast almost amounts to a book of sailing directions. In 1880, II, the history of the Incas, was brought to light, and texts were printed by the late Dr. González Rosa in 1873, and also by Jiménez de la Espada in 1880. This exceedingly valuable account of Inca civilization was known to Mr. Prescott, and he frequently quotes from it; but he was not aware of Cieza de León being the author. This part was chosen by the Council to be included in the Hakluyt Society's series in 1883, and I again undertook the work of translation and editing. Quite recently three of the volumes on the Civil Wars of Peru by Cieza de León have been discovered in manuscript, and published at Madrid. "The War of Quito," covering the period from the arrival of the Viceroy Blasco Núñez Vela to his death at Anaquito, was translated and edited by me, forming one of the Hakluyt Society's volumes for 1912. I have also translated and edited the "War of Las Salinas," giving a detailed account of the dispute between Pizarro and Almagro, which ended with the battle of Las Salinas and the execution of Almagro by Hernando Pizarro. The present volume, by Cieza de León, is entitled "The War of Chupas," and contains a detailed narrative of events from the battle of Las Salinas to the final overthrow of the Almagro faction at the battle of Chupas, including the murder of Pizarro, the arrival of Vaca de Castro as governor, the campaign against Almagro the younger, the promulgation of the New Laws, and the appointment of Blasco Núñez Vela as viceroy to enforce them. To be continue in this ebook...
This book offers the first in-depth treatment of Jewish images of and behavior toward Blacks during the period of peak Jewish involvement in Atlantic slave-holding.
Gomes Eannes de Zurara's 'The History of the Discovery and Conquest of Guinea' is a seminal work that provides a detailed account of the exploration and colonization of West Africa during the 15th century. Written in a straightforward and factual style, the book offers valuable insights into the motives and methods of the Portuguese explorers, as well as the interactions between Europeans and Africans during this period. Zurara's work serves as an important historical document, shedding light on a crucial time in the expansion of European empires and the impact on indigenous populations in Guinea. The narrative is enriched with vivid descriptions of landscapes, encounters, and diplomatic exchanges, making it a fascinating read for those interested in colonial history and cultural exchange in the Age of Exploration. Gomes Eannes de Zurara, a Portuguese chronicler and historian, was appointed by Prince Henry the Navigator to document the achievements of the Portuguese explorers. His firsthand experiences and access to official records allowed him to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the events in Guinea. As a trusted chronicler of his time, Zurara's work is recognized for its accuracy and attention to detail, adding to its significance as a primary source for historians. 'The History of the Discovery and Conquest of Guinea' is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of intercultural relations, colonial expansion, and the lasting impact of European exploration in Africa.
