It’s written as a guide to the Americas by a newly arrived European, and what amazed me was the first half, on the geography, geology and wildlife of his new home. Duke University published an English translation in 2002. I know this one is familiar to lots of historians, but I stumbled on it by accident when searching a database for something else. I have sort of a weird answer: “Natural and Moral History of the Indies,” published in 1590 by José de Acosta, a Spanish priest in Peru. I feel like books are like cameras - the best book is always the one you have with you. I always want to find the kind of book that’s so engrossing that you don’t care how you’re reading it. I know lots of people have strong feelings about which book formats they prefer, between printed books, e-ink readers, phones, paperbacks, etc., but I’m honestly not very picky. I was one of those kids who would read a book as they walked, or while sitting in class hiding the book in my desk, so I’m used to reading in less than ideal circumstances.
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