Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas

Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas (1549-1625) was a Spanish chronicler and historian who served as the Chief Chronicler of the Indies under King Philip II of Spain. His most significant work, "Historia general de los hechos de los castellanos en las Islas y Tierra Firme del mar Océano," commonly known as "Décadas," provides a comprehensive account of Spanish activities in the Americas from 1492 to 1554. Herrera's position as official historian granted him unprecedented access to primary documents, correspondence, and official records of the Spanish conquest and colonization. His writings extensively covered the explorations of Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, and other conquistadors, making his work an invaluable resource for understanding early Spanish America. While Herrera never visited the Americas himself, his methodical compilation and analysis of historical documents set new standards for historical writing in his era. His work influenced subsequent generations of historians and remains a crucial primary source for scholars studying Spanish colonial history. The accuracy and detail of Herrera's chronicles, particularly regarding political and military matters, have been widely recognized by historians, though his perspective notably reflects the official Spanish position of his time. His other notable works include histories of England, Scotland, and France, as well as a general history of the world during the reign of Philip II.

Limited reader reviews exist online for Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas' works, as most are historical Spanish texts from the 16th century and many remain untranslated. Readers note his detailed accounts of Spanish colonization and appreciate his access to primary sources as Royal Historian of the Indies. Academic readers value "Historia general de los hechos de los castellanos" for its comprehensive documentation, though some point out biases favoring Spanish perspectives. Common criticisms include: - Dense, difficult writing style - Pro-Spanish colonial bias - Lack of indigenous viewpoints - Repetitive passages No ratings exist on Goodreads or Amazon for his original works. A few university library reviews mention the historical significance of his chronicles but note accessibility challenges for modern readers. His works are primarily referenced by scholars rather than general readers. One academic reviewer on WorldCat praised his "meticulous research" while noting his "clear prejudices of the era" that require critical reading.

Historia general de los hechos de los castellanos en las Islas y Tierra Firme del mar Océano (1601-1615) An eight-volume chronicle of Spanish exploration and conquest in the Americas from 1492-1554, based on official documents and earlier historical accounts.

Historia general del mundo, del tiempo del Rey Felipe II (1601-1612) A three-volume history covering global events during the reign of Philip II of Spain from 1559 to 1598.

Descripción de las Indias Occidentales (1601) A geographical and administrative description of Spanish territories in the Americas, including details about native populations and natural resources.

Historia de lo sucedido en Escocia e Inglaterra (1589) An account of events in Scotland and England during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, including her execution.

Historia de Portugal y conquista de las islas de los Açores (1591) A chronicle of Portuguese history and the Spanish conquest of the Azores Islands during the Portuguese succession crisis.

Cinco libros de la historia de Portugal (1591) A detailed history of Portugal from 1578 to 1585, focusing on the succession crisis and Spanish acquisition of the Portuguese crown.

Historia de María Estuardo (1589) A biography of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, detailing her life, reign, and eventual execution.

Información en el hecho y relación de lo que pasó en Milán (1599) An account of political and military events in Milan during Spanish rule.