The Discovery of America Vol. 1 (of 2) / with some account of Ancient America and the Spanish Conquest

Name: The Discovery of America Vol. 1 (of 2) / with some account of Ancient America and the Spanish Conquest
Author: John Fiske

By John Fiske

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - American History - Ancient

About This Book

The work interweaves two complementary themes: a survey of indigenous American societies and a narrative of European voyages and conquests. It reconstructs social institutions such as clans, phratries, and communal houses, comparing them to Old World forms to trace stages of social evolution, while also reviewing navigational theories, ancient voyages, and geographic ideas like the five zones and antipodes. The account details practical maritime hazards and the encounters between Europeans and complex American civilizations during the Spanish conquests, and it advocates archaeological inquiry and the preservation of native cultures as vital to understanding human development.

About the Author

John Fiske

John Fiske was an American philosopher and historian, known for his influential works on American history and political thought. His writings often explored the intersections of science, mythology, and history, contributing to a broader understanding of American identity and culture. Fiske's notable works include "The American Revolution," which examines the ideological foundations of the United States, and "Myths and Myth-Makers," where he interprets folklore through the lens of comparative mythology. His scholarship reflects a deep engagement with the philosophical implications of historical events, making him a significant figure in the study of American intellectual history.