Bartolome de Las Casas in History: Toward an Understanding of the Man and His Work

A controversial figure in his own day (1474-1566), Las Casas might well be the New World’s first political activist. Championing the cause of the Indians in Overseas Spain, Las Casas threw his heart, soul, and fortune into a highly volatile movement. He became the Protector of the Indians and devoted fifty years to the destruction of Indian slavery. Friede and Keen’s collection of essays increases the understanding of the man and his work by presenting English translations of the findings of leading modern European and Latin American specialists on Las Casas.