CORTEZ the Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards in 1521

This is the best means to introduce youngsters to the fascination of good source material -- to kill in advance the assumption that contemporary records are dull. This is the third of a series of eye witness records (The Log of Christopher Columbus and Homes in the Wilderness were the others). A soldier of fortune with Cortex wrote down the record in his old age, for his descendants. Children today will find it fascinating as he tells in intimate detail of the march, the capture of Montezuma, of Azter civilization, of Mexican life. The story goes through the capture of Gustemoc, king of Mexico, and the fall of the city. Plenty of color, action, and a not too rose-colored view of Cortex, who is shown with faults and virtues.