Of Things of the Indies: Essays Old and New in Early Latin American History

Of Things of the Indies collects essays by historian James Lockhart examining colonial Latin America, with particular focus on Peru and Mexico during the sixteenth century. The essays span decades of Lockhart's scholarship, combining previously published works with new research. The book explores social structures, economic systems, and daily life in early colonial Spanish America through analysis of primary sources and archival documents. Lockhart investigates topics including encomienda organization, indigenous responses to Spanish conquest, and the development of notarial records. The essays examine both Spanish and Native American perspectives on the colonial period, paying special attention to points of cultural contact and exchange. The collection includes detailed studies of specific communities and regions alongside broader examinations of colonial institutions and practices. Through these collected works, Lockhart presents colonial Latin America as a complex space of interaction between multiple societies, challenging simplified narratives of conquest and domination. The essays demonstrate the value of careful documentary analysis in understanding this pivotal period in American history.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of James Lockhart's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Lockhart's ability to analyze complex historical documents while making the material clear. Many academic reviewers note his thorough research in "The Nahuas After the Conquest" and "The Men of Cajamarca." Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of difficult source material - Detailed translations of primary documents - Balance between academic rigor and readability - Integration of indigenous perspectives Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging for non-specialists - Some texts require background knowledge in Latin American history - Limited availability of his works outside university libraries Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "The Nahuas After the Conquest": 4.2/5 (48 ratings) - "Of Things of the Indies": 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Google Books reviews frequently mention his influence on colonial Latin American scholarship, with one reader noting: "Lockhart's translations opened up new ways to understand Nahua perspectives that weren't possible before."

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Matthew Restall This examination of primary sources challenges established narratives about the conquest of the Americas through detailed analysis of indigenous and Spanish historical records.

Daily Life in Colonial Mexico by Joan Cameron Bristol The book explores colonial Mexican society through documents about religious practices, social hierarchies, and interactions between different ethnic groups.

The First America: The Spanish Monarchy, Creole Patriots, and the Liberal State 1492-1867 by David Brading This comprehensive study traces the development of Spanish American intellectual and political thought from conquest through independence using primary sources and cultural analysis.

When Jesus Came, the Corn Mothers Went Away: Marriage, Sexuality, and Power in New Mexico, 1500-1846 by Ramón A. Gutiérrez The text examines the transformation of Pueblo Indian society through Spanish colonization using church records, court documents, and indigenous accounts.

City Indians in Spain's American Empire: Urban Indigenous Society in Colonial Mesoamerica and Andean South America by Dana Velasco Murillo This work analyzes indigenous life in colonial cities through archival records, focusing on social organization, economic activities, and cultural practices in urban centers.

🔎 Author James Lockhart pioneered the "New Philology" approach to Latin American history, which emphasizes studying indigenous-language sources to understand colonial perspectives. 📚 The book includes groundbreaking research on Nahuatl (Aztec) documents, revealing how indigenous communities adapted to and influenced Spanish colonial systems. 🌎 Several essays in the collection challenge the traditional "conquest and defeat" narrative, showing how Native American societies maintained significant cultural and economic autonomy throughout the colonial period. 📜 The work spans over 30 years of Lockhart's research, combining both his early influential essays and later revisions that incorporate new archaeological and linguistic discoveries. 🏛️ Lockhart's research fundamentally changed how historians view early colonial Latin America, shifting focus from European-centric perspectives to a more nuanced understanding of cultural mixing and indigenous agency.