Short Synopsis
In this groundbreaking work, leading historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto tells the story of our hemisphere as a whole, showing why it is impossible to understand North, Central, and South America in isolation without turning to the intertwining forces that shape the region.

Full Synopsis
In this groundbreaking work, leading historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto tells the story of our hemisphere as a whole, showing why it is impossible to understand North, Central, and South America in isolation without turning to the intertwining forces that shape the region. With imagination, thematic breadth, and his trademark wit, Fernandez-Armesto covers a range of cultural, political, and social subjects, taking us from the dawn of human migration to North America to the colonial and independence periods to the "American century" and beyond. Fernandez-Armesto does nothing less than revise the conventional wisdom about cross-cultural exchange, conflict, and interaction, making and supporting some brilliantly provocative conclusions about the Americas' past and where we are headed.

"Dazzling…. An elegant tale" ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Fernandez-Armesto can personalize broad historical trends without sinking into triviality…. History written at its best." ---Booklist Starred Review

"Intriguing and sometimes amusing.... Highly recommended." ---Library Journal

"Prichard reads this critically acclaimed biography...with exacting care and a serious and hefty weight in his voice.... [A] restrained and elegant reading." ---Booklist

"Prichard's surging pace and folksy tone do a good job of grounding the author's scholarship and making Vespucci's story seem familiar." ---AudioFile

"Wonderfully idiosyncratic and intelligent" ---The New York Times Book Review

Publishers Weekly Review

Booklist Review

Library Journal Review

Booklist Bestseller

New York Times Bestseller

Washington Post Bestseller