This is a short history of the age of exploration and the conquest of the Americas told through the experience of Bartolom de las Casas, a Dominican friar who fervently defended the American Indians, and the single most important figure of the period after Columbus.
- Explores the period known as the Encounter, which was characterized by intensive conflict between Europeans and the people of the Americas following Columbus's voyages
- Argues that Las Casas, "protector of Indians", was primarily motivated by Scripture in his crusade for justice and equality for American Indians
- Draws on the 14 volume Complete Works of Las Casas as a window into his mind and actions
- Encourages students to understand history through the viewpoint of individuals living it.