History of the Conquest of Peru With a Preliminary View of the Civilization of the Incas

"History of the Conquest of Peru" by William Hickling Prescott is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work examines the events surrounding the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, discussing both the indigenous civilization of the Incas and the subsequent turmoil among the Spanish conquerors following the fall of their empire. The beginning of this volume sets the stage by delving into the rich cultural and political landscape of the Incan civilization at its height, emphasizing its achievements in governance and industry despite the geographical challenges posed by the Andean mountains. Prescott introduces significant figures and explores the historical context, detailing how the Incas united various tribes under a complex, centralized system. Moreover, he highlights the author's deep reliance on primary sources, showcasing Prescott's aim to create a nuanced narrative that respects the intricacies of Incan society while recounting the conquests that ultimately led to their downfall. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Hickling Prescott was an American historian and Hispanist, who is widely recognized by historiographers to have been the first American scientific historian. Despite having serious visual impairment, which at times prevented him from reading or writing for himself, Prescott became one of the most eminent historians of 19th century America. He is also noted for his eidetic memory, also called "photographic memory".