Description
Voyage to the R¡o de la Plata
Book Summary
This volume collects the chronicles of Ulrich Schmídel, a German soldier and traveler who was part of Pedro de Mendoza's expedition to the Río de la Plata in the 16th century. Through his direct and unfiltered gaze, the reader gains access to one of the first written accounts of the territories that are now Argentina and Paraguay. The work offers a unique narrative of the conquest, indigenous cultures, and South American geography, endorsed by historians such as Bartolomé Mitre for its accuracy and documentary value.
What is it about?
Ulrich Schmídel narrates in the first person his experience during twenty years of exploration and conquest on the American continent. The story begins with his departure from Europe as part of the expedition of the adelantado Pedro de Mendoza, and describes with stark realism the horrors of the first founding of Buenos Aires. Throughout its pages, the author travels through what he called the "Paradise of the jungles of Paraguay and the Chaco," offering detailed observations on the landscapes, native peoples, and the harsh living conditions of the colonizers. The work is not only a historical testimony but also a first-rate ethnographic and geographic source on 16th-century South America.
Main Topics
- Chronicles of the Spanish conquest in the Río de la Plata
- Geographic exploration of South America in the 16th century
- First-hand accounts of the first founding of Buenos Aires
- Description of the indigenous cultures of Paraguay and the Chaco
- Experience of a European soldier in the New World
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the history of the conquest of America, geographic exploration, and travel chronicles of the 16th century. It will also be of great value to researchers, students of history and anthropology, as well as anyone who wishes to know the original testimonies of the first Europeans to travel through the territory of the current Southern Cone.
What this book offers
- Access to one of the first written chronicles about Argentina and Paraguay, with the documentary value of an eyewitness.
- A unique perspective of a German soldier in the context of Spanish expansion, rare in traditional historiography.
- Detailed and precise descriptions of the geography, fauna, flora, and indigenous customs of the time.
- A historical account endorsed by specialized critics for its accuracy and impartiality.
Technical Sheet
- Author: Schmídel de Straubing, Ulrich
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic texts, geographic discovery and exploration
- Collection: History-Travels
- Binding: Other
- Publication date: January 2006
- Number of pages: 350
- Weight: 118 g
Editorial Assessment
Voyage to the R¡o de la Plata is presented as a reference work for those seeking primary sources on the conquest of the Southern Cone. Schmídel's chronicle stands out for its narrative honesty and descriptive thoroughness, qualities that have earned it the recognition of historians such as Azara and Mitre. It is an essential title to complete any library specializing in geographic exploration and chronicles of the Indies, and it offers an exciting read for those interested in the history of America.