Inga Clendinnen Book order

Recreates the culture of the city of Tenochtitlan in its last unthreatened years before it fell to the Spaniards.

This collection explores the rich and complex cultures of the Aztecs and Mayas during the sixteenth century through a series of innovative essays. It delves into their social structures, religious practices, and artistic achievements, highlighting the significant historical context and the impact of European colonization. The essays provide fresh perspectives and critical analyses, making it a valuable resource for understanding the cultural dynamics of these ancient civilizations.

The narrative explores the experiences of the first British settlers in Australia, highlighting their interactions with the Indigenous peoples they encountered. It delves into the challenges faced by the settlers as they adapted to a new environment and the cultural exchanges that occurred. The book sheds light on the complex relationships, conflicts, and cooperation between the settlers and the Aboriginal communities, offering a nuanced perspective on this pivotal moment in history.

Exploring the complexities of historical narrative, Inga Clendinnen questions the role of historians in shaping national identity versus providing an objective account of the past. She critiques the notion of history as a tool for myth-making, arguing that historians must remain true to their profession without succumbing to political pressures. Clendinnen delves into the implications of how history is presented and what it reveals about societal values and needs.

Set against the backdrop of the First Fleet's arrival in 1788, the narrative explores the complex interactions between British settlers and Indigenous Australians. Inga Clendinnen delves into primary sources, revealing the efforts of Arthur Phillip and Indigenous leader Bennelong to forge a relationship amidst cultural misunderstandings. The book highlights the eventual deterioration of this friendship, while also engaging with larger themes of colonialism, cultural perception, and the dynamics of power in historical encounters.

Focusing on the sixteenth-century Yucatan, this study examines the complex process of Mayan conversion to Christianity. It delves into the interactions between indigenous beliefs and European religious practices, highlighting the cultural exchanges and conflicts that arose during this transformative period. Through historical analysis, the book sheds light on the impact of colonization on Mayan identity and spirituality, providing insights into the broader implications of missionary efforts in the region.

Inga Clendinnen creates a vivid and dramatic picture of life in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, once the nerve centre of the Aztec tribute empire. She explores the worlds of Aztec women, of priests and of warriors, in an extraordinary recreation of everyday life in the city. Contrasting the beauty and sophistication of Aztec culture with the savagery of human sacrifice, she attempts to explain the philosophy, rituals, and social structures that underpinned this remarkable empire.