De Soto, Coronado, Cabrillo: Explorers of the Northern Mystery

"De Soto, Coronado, Cabrillo: Explorers of the Northern Mystery" by David Lavender is a historical account written in the late 20th century. This book delves into the expeditions of Spanish explorers during the 16th century, specifically focusing on Hernando de Soto, Francisco Coronado, and Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, and their encounters with the native populations across what is now the United States. Through these narratives, it sheds light on the intricate interplay between exploration, conquest, and the implications for indigenous societies. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage by emphasizing the significance of Spanish exploration in shaping early American history, challenging the notion that this history began with other European colonists. The prologue and introductory chapters explain the context of the late 15th century in Spain, detailing the motivations behind the expeditions to the northern territories. Lavender frames the explorers not only as adventurers in search of gold and glory but as products of their time, fueled by the ambition and religious fervor of medieval Spain. This initial setup hints at the complex relationships between these explorers and the native peoples they encountered, suggesting a dual narrative of ambition and consequence leading to cultural collisions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

David Sievert Lavender was an American historian and writer who was one of the most prolific chroniclers of the American West. He published more than 40 books, including two novels, several children's books, and a memoir. Unlike his two prominent contemporaries, Bernard DeVoto and Wallace Stegner, Lavender was not an academic. Much of his writing was influenced by his first-hand practical knowledge of the American West and the historical realities and locations depicted in his books—in the mines, on the trails, in the mountains, and on the rivers. Lavender was a two-time nominee for the Pulitzer Prize, and was widely admired by scholars for his accuracy and objectivity.