About This Object
This English translation of Las Casas’ defense of Indian humanity appeared in 1583, five years before the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Countries hostile to Spain and its power, such as England and Holland, were quick to make use of Las Casas’s words to create the “Black Legend,” which emphasized Spanish brutality toward their subjects.
* Currently on Exhibit
Bartolomé de las Casas. The Spanish colonie, or, Briefe chronicle of the acts and [notable exploits] of the Spaniardes in the West Indies, called the Newe World. . . . London: Thomas Dawson for William Broome, 1583. Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (81.00.02)