The Conquest of New Spain (Annotated) for High School Students (The memoirs of the conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo_written by himself, containing a true and full account of the discovery and conquest of Mexico and New Spain)

How is it that the Glorious Catholic Faith was brought to Mexico, so that that nation could enjoy centuries of future holiness and the Church’s soul-saving teachings? Who made it possible for the Catholic missionaries to be safe and free to catechize the pagan Indian souls of that land, so that these missionaries might rescue them from their false religions, human sacrifice, cannibalism, and unspeakable immorality? What human servants of the Queen of Heaven paved the way so that Our Lady of Guadalupe could later appear in peace to convert the pagans by the millions?

This book tells the little-heard story of one of the greatest and most courageous groups of men that ever fought – the little band of Spaniards led by the amazing Hernando Cortes. Landing in 1519 with a little over 500 men in what is today Mexico, this is the gripping account of the struggle of Cortes to battle hundreds of thousands of pagan warriors, and to civilize Mexico for the great Catholic Spanish Emperor, Charles the Fifth, grandson of the great Queen Isabella. This book gives the modern reader the unique chance to see the birth of a Catholic nation!

This great and invaluable history is the firsthand account, carefully written by Cortes’ official historian Bernal Diaz, who was with Cortes every step of the way. We watch Cortes wage many battles with iron courage against unbelievable odds, savagery, and betrayal by some of his own countrymen who were busy back in Spain slandering Cortes. Diaz has a charming, simple, and attractively honest writing style.

Although very edifying, this book may be more suitable more for boys than girls as there is warfare, violence, bloodshed, and even human sacrifice and cannibalism described. Yet it is a must-read and excellent antidote to the strong modern pagan trends which slander everything Catholic and European, such as, for example, the glorious Christopher Columbus, the Conquistadores (and even the priests and missionaries that came afterwards). One really comes to see the Catholic spirit behind the missionizing of these lands for Christ, even if Cortes was not a saint and even made some bad decisions along the way.

Christ the King Books has taken this wonderful historical classic and added a great many study helps: maps, pictures, vocabulary entries, and numerous notes, making it much easier for the average high school student to follow. This is truly the best version of this history available! 470 pgs. Suitable for grades 10 – 12 as well as adults.