Book Description
This is both a specific study of conversion in a corner of the Spanish Empire, and a work with implications for the understanding of European domination and native resistance throughout the colonial world. Dr Clendinnen explores the intensifying conflict between competing and increasingly divergent Spanish visions of Yucatan and its destructive outcomes. She seeks to penetrate the ways of thinking and feeling of the Mayan Indians in a detailed reconstruction of their assessment of the intruders.
Customer Reviews:
Good for Historiography.......2003-04-11
The Spanish Conquest of the Americas has primarily been discussed in militaristic terms. Cortes and his small band of Spaniards, along with several thousand disaffected native allies marched on the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and in brilliant (some would say fortuitous) military maneuvering subjugated the New World. However, thanks to the efforts of historians like Dr. Inga Clendinnen, of La Trope University in Australia, zones of proximal development are reshaped. The Aztec were not the only ones conquered. Dr. Clendinnen's awarding winning work, Ambivalent Conquests, Maya and Spaniard in Yucatan, 1517-1570, suggests that the Spanish not only went and conquered several New World cultures militarily, but spiritually as well. As the title suggests, the work focuses primarily on the Mayan culture in the Yucatan peninsula in the years following the military conquest. Clendinnen's meticulous research and easy conversational reading successfully argues that the Mayan developed a passive resistant syncretism to the spiritual conquest that was imposed upon them. The New World cultures accepted military defeat, but in an effort to keep some semblance of their former lives (in this case, the Maya) would pay lip service to the Spaniards' religion, but would still practice the hated idolatry in secret. While the conquerors were assimilating the Maya, the Maya were assimilating the conquerors' religion. This in turn necessitated the extension of the inquisition by the Spaniards to the New World in the paradox of Christianity at the time - convert or be killed. Clendinnen shows that the ambivalence was not how the New Worlders would come to know Christianity,rather, how the religious and the Old World settlers in their "competing visions" for what the Yucatan would eventually become. Dr. Inga Clendinnen deftly uses the historical brush to paint a picture of Mayan syncretism. The title is apropos; not only were the Indians of the New World conquered militarily, but spiritually as well.
some thoughts.......2002-10-29
Overall, Inga Clendinnen's book serves as a vivid illustration of history. The images from the text stick to memory, and specific events and people (Diego de Landa, Nachi Cocom, Francisco Hernandez, and Fray Francisco de Toral) from almost five hundred years ago, come alive. The book is divided in two parts: the Spaniards and Indians, where what happened in Yucatan between 1517 and 1570 is examined from two different perspectives. It almost seems like there are two books within a book, as there are two beginnings and two epilogues, yet the connection between the two parts is never lost. The structure of the book is not only interesting, but also appropriate to the message the author seeks to convey: it illustrates the idea of "confusion of tongues", the fact that the perceptions of the Maya and the Spaniard were almost irreconcilably different. The book is also thoroughly researched, employing both primary and secondary sources. I enjoyed Clendinnen's discussions of the books of Chilam Bilam, of Landa's Relacion de Las Cosas de Yucatan, and of the confessions that Landa extracted from the Indians in 1562. I also appreciated the fact that where information is unavailable, and deduction from what is known goes a little far, the author is not afraid to acknowledge it. I should also mention that the author makes an implicit assumption that the reader is Christian, and has a good understanding of Christian faith and practices. When explaining Mayan human sacrifice, for example, Clendinnen writes that "we have somehow to detach ourselves from our Christian-drenched notions of sacrifice..."
In terms of evaluating the persuasiveness of the book, I should say that although in the beginning of the book, she raises the question about to what extent the information that Indians confessed under torture was exaggerated or true at all, toward the end of the book she seems to have accepted the assumption that there was at least some truth in the confessions - that human sacrifice and crucifixions did happen, and were not just a product of Landa's imagination, as she had previously suggested. So she never really proves that human sacrifice and crucifixions did happen, but kind of explores the possibilities of "what if they did" and "what if they didn't." Also, in the epilogue, the author makes a quick conclusion that the events of 1562 were significant because it was only after these events that the Maya finally accepted Christianity, or some Mayan version of it. It does make sense that the events of 1562 and the general intrusion of friars into the Maya spiritual domain would demonstrate to the natives that Spanish presence would not be temporary, that the Spanish were there to stay, and must be taken seriously. But this is in the political realm. As for the spiritual realm, it is unclear why the violence, the sufferings inflicted by the friars, and the destruction of Mayan idols would result in the Maya acceptance that "the time of the old Gods was over", and that Christian deities and the Christian God would now rule. The events of 1562 do not demonstrate the superiority of the Christian faith relative to the Mayan beliefs. Why didn't the violence the friars inflict on the natives make the natives reject Christianity and to revolt against the Spaniards, instead of accepting the Christian faith?
This raises the further question of why some populations abandon their religion and accept the faith of the group that conquers them (after all, this is not the only time this scenario came up - Islam spread with the Muslim conquests, for example), while other populations or groups hold on to their own religions and religious practices for very long periods of time while living in exile (Jews in Christian and Muslim countries for example). What factors does the likelihood of accepting the religion of the dominant group depend on - on n the political coercion and missionary offensive of the conqueror, or perhaps on the ability of conquered peoples to resist this offensive by shielding behind the strength of their own religious beliefs and practices? What influences what form the acceptance of the religion of the dominant group take - absorption of new religion into the old religion, absorption of old religion into the new religion, or perhaps complete abandonment of former religious beliefs and practices in favor of the new ones. How unique is the Maya case? Or perhaps the acceptance of the new faith isn't something that abruptly takes place at conversion, but a lengthy, gradual process that takes generations, whereupon the old faith gradually fades away? If so, do elements from the pre-conquest period still survive in the religion of the Yucatan Maya? All these questions deal with the larger implications of Clendinnen's book: implications for the understanding of the domination of the conqueror (both military and religious) and the resistance of the conquered peoples, not only in Yucatan, but throughout the world. Do true conquests happen, or are all conquests to some extent ambivalent?
A Fascinating Look at the Mayan-Spanish Relationship.......2000-10-24
Despite the difficulties related to a lack of historical sources, Clendinnen produces a convincing argument about the Mayan's resistance to colonial domination. She gives the natives a voice, bringing the Mayans to life, realistically showing their strength and autonomy from the Spanish. Inga Clendinnen's book about the Mayan-Spanish relationship during the Spanish conquest is as enthralling as it is informative.
An excellent study in cultural misunderstanding.......2000-04-01
Clendinnen's book is excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in colonial Latin America. The book focuses on the Yucatan peninsula. Clendinnen looks at the Spanish side of things first, then at how the Maya understood--and resisted--their new rulers. A central figure in the book is the Franciscan Diego de Landa. Landa is portayed as both a man dedicated to God, and as a man with a sadistic streak. He strongly suspected that the Maya were continuing to practice idolotry rather than the Catholicism Landa wanted them to adopt. As a result, Landa brought the Spanish Inquisition to Yucatan. Landa also had a strong will to power; Clendinnen covers his battles, mostly victorious, with other Spanish officials. The second section of the book deals with the Mayan response to things Spanish. She attempts to sort out truth from fiction in the "confessions" wrung out of the Maya by the Spanish Inquisitors. One of the more interesting aspects of this is Clendinnen's discussion of how the Maya appear to have adopted certain elements of Christianity while retaining most of their own beliefs. Anyone interested in religious syncretism or retlations between conquerer and conquered would do well to pick up this book.
Book Description
This successful western history version of the popular Discovering series provides a broad range of both visual and written sources within a unique pedagogical framework that guides students through the process of historical inquiry and explanation. Its unique structure promotes critical thinking, sharpens analytical skills, and builds student interest in the subject matter. The text emphasizes historical study as interpretation rather than memorization of data, with actual documents and artifacts from which students develop answers to historical questions.
- New! In Volume 1, the authors revised Chapter 1, "The Need for Water in Ancient Societies," to incorporate material on Egyptian irrigation.
- New! A new chapter in Volume 1 focuses on the development of monotheism in the ancient world, including new coverage of the Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, and others. Other new chapters examine the Crusades and the impact of the Reformation through confessionalization and social discipline.
- New! Volume II includes expanded visual evidence in the chapter on World War I. The volume also includes new chapters on the Cold War, women's political activism, and globalization and the European community.
Customer Reviews:
Whimsical and entertaining.......2007-08-12
Lewis Thomas' essays offer the creative and whimsical perspectives of a scientist. I doubt the non-biologist would appreciate these 'notes of a biology watcher' much, but as a biologist myself, I have to say that this is one of my favorite books for light reading.
No, I don't get a great deal of new knowledge from reading Lives of a Cell, but he clearly looked at science and the world in ways that I wouldn't have thought of. I've caught myself chuckling at his wit with each and every essay - and there are quite a few in there - and I re-read them when the occasion arises (usually while passing the time during traveling).
And so, in a phrase, I'd describe this book as 'light reading and wit for biologists.' If that's what you're looking for, it's a very good book indeed.
The John D. Connection.......2007-04-24
Chapter 9 of "The Lonely Silver Rain" by John D. MacDonald, Fawcett 1985, opens with McGee "...reading Lewis Thomas and for the first time he depressed me, even when he said that the glue that seems to hold mankind in some kind of lasting stasis is everyone's desire to be useful."
Did MacDonald and Thomas meet at Harvard? He was in the MBA program in 1938-39. Was Thomas in the medical school at that time? MacDonald died in 1986 while undergoing heart surgery. I guess if Thomas depressed him, he had it pretty bad.
Awe Inspiring.......2007-03-10
In recommending this book to an acquaintance, I remembered how much I loved it. I read it a long time ago, perhaps 20 years ago, and still feel that it was one of the best reads of my lifetime. Contrary to reinforcing a rift between religion and science, this book seems to marry miracle to biology; it also marries macrocosm to microcosm. My reaction when I finished it, was to want to dance and sing! The content of this book is simply amazing! If you want to have your awe and curiosity piqued, I recommend it--with enthusiasm and joy!
Amazing.......2007-01-09
This is truly an amazing work. Thomas's writing is beautiful and the stories fantastic with just enough humor. I have learned so much and enjoyed it all at the same time. I highly recommend this book. If you are not sure of something, look it up! Just think how smart you will become.
Science for interested non-scientists.......2006-11-14
I selected this book from the Modern Library list of Top 100 Non-Fiction books with the trepidation of a non technical person with only moderate interest in science. Mr. Thomas, however, immediately disarms the non technical mind and proceeds to fascinate as he presents the very familiar in totally new perspectives. His description of our bodies as a system of mitochondria pursuing their own interests with total disinterest of our consciousness as an entity is startling while, at the same time, it becomes immediately obvious. A discussion of disease as a "biologic misinterpretation of borders" by microscopic entities also causes the reader to see the well known in new ways.
There is enough author left over
to leave us with some straight-forward observations: "The great secret known to internists...is that most things get better by themselves." Or: "If an idea cannot move on its own , pushing it doesn't help; best to let it lie there."
Thomas' last 2 sections leave both the secular and non-secular with a strong affirmation of the unliklihood of the miracle of life. Overall, this is a brief (150 page) book that deserves a wide readership.
Book Description
Science education is experiencing a revitalization, as it is recognized that science should be accessible to everyone, not just society’s future scientists. One way to make the study of science more substantive to the non-major is to require a laboratory component for all science courses. The subject of applied botany with its emphasis on the practical aspects of plant science, the authors believe, will be appealing to the non-major as it exemplifies how a basic science can be applied to problem solving. Laboratory Manual for Applied Botany will make students realize that the study of plants is relevant to their lives and that they can participate in the discovery process of science. Although the manual includes much of the basic plant anatomy found in standard botany manuals, it differs in taking a practical approach, examining those plants and plant products that have sustained or affected human society.
Book Description
Recent advances in imaging technology reveal, in real time and great detail, critical changes in living cells and organisms. This manual is a compendium of emerging techniques, organized into two parts: specific methods such as fluorescent labeling, and delivery and detection of labeled molecules in cells; and experimental approaches ranging from the detection of single molecules to the study of dynamic processes in organelles, organs, and whole animals. Although presented primarily as a laboratory manual, the book includes introductory and background material and could be used as a textbook in advanced courses. It also includes a DVD containing movies of living cells in action, created by investigators using the imaging techniques discussed in the book.
The editors, David Spector and Robert Goldman, whose previous book was Cells: A Laboratory Manual, are highly respected investigators who have taught microscopy courses at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, and Northwestern University.
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Confocal Microscopy And Multiphoton Excitation Microscopy: The Genesis of Live Cell Imaging (SPIE Press Monograph Vol. PM161)
Barry R. Masters
Manufacturer: SPIE Publications
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Handbook of Biological Confocal Microscopy
ASIN: 0819461180 |
Product Description
This text guides you through the principles and practical techniques of confocal and multiphoton microscopy. It also describes the historical connections and parallel inventions that resulted in modern techniques of live cell imaging and their use in biology and medicine. You will find comparisons of different types of confocal and multiphoton microscopes, solutions to the problems one would encounter when using various microscopic techniques, tips on selecting equipment, and an extensive annotated bibliography of additional resources.
Product Description
Boxed set of 2 PB books -- The Lives of a Cell (0670434426) of 1974 & The Medusa and the Snail (0670465682)of 1979, both the philosophical observations of a biologist about life. Box with own design & illustration different from book covers.
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Your Body's Heroes And Villians: Microexplorers (Microexplorers Series)
Patrick Bauerle
Manufacturer: BARRON'S EDUC SERIES
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How The Y Makes The Guy (Microexplorers Series)
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Have a Nice DNA (Enjoy Your Cells)
ASIN: 0764150510 |
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Petroleum Contaminated Soils, Volume 3
Paul Kostecki , and
Edward J. Calabrese
Manufacturer: Lewis Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Environmental Science
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ASIN: 087371380X |
Book Description
These three volumes provide valuable information to help bring rational and scientifically feasible solutions to petroleum contaminated soils. State-of-the-art information on both technical and regulatory issues is covered, including environmental fate, health effects, risk assessment and remedial alternatives. They show why petroleum contaminated soils are a problem - and propose solutions for that problem. These books are an excellent reference for regulatory personnel and environmental consultants at all levels.
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