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Cover of History for ready reference, Volume 2, El Dorado to Greaves

History for ready reference, Volume 2, El Dorado to Greaves

Written by J. N. (Josephus Nelson) Larned

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History

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About this book

"History for Ready Reference, Volume 2, El Dorado to Greaves" by J. N. Larned is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a continuation of the first volume, compiling significant historical narratives and accounts from various periods, covering both well-known events and obscure tales. The focus is on providing a comprehensive overview of history through excerpts from prominent historians and biographers, making it useful for both casual readers and students of history. The opening of this volume addresses the legendary quest for El Dorado, highlighting the Spanish explorers' insatiable greed for gold and wealth in the New World. It recounts the fanciful stories that grew out of rumors about a gilded king or a rich city hidden in the jungles of South America, illustrating how these myths spurred relentless exploration and often catastrophic expeditions led by adventurous figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh. This section sets the tone for the type of historical explorations the volume will cover, emphasizing the intersection of ambition, myth, and the harsh realities faced by those who pursued wealth at any cost.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in History for ready reference, Volume 2, El Dorado to Greaves, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Informative
  • Historical
  • Exploratory

J. N. Larned's "History for Ready Reference, Volume 2, El Dorado to Greaves" is a late 19th-century encyclopedic compilation designed to offer accessible historical accounts. Serving as a continuation of its predecessor, this volume meticulously curates significant historical narratives and events, ranging from the legendary quest for El Dorado to the historical figure or topic of 'Greaves.' It aims to provide a comprehensive overview by presenting excerpts from various prominent historians and biographers, making it a valuable resource for both general readers and serious students of history. The opening section, focusing on El Dorado, vividly illustrates the profound impact of myth, insatiable greed, and relentless ambition on the course of exploration and conquest in the New World. This foundational approach sets the tone for the volume's broader exploration of human endeavors and their often complex, and sometimes tragic, consequences.

“The lure of El Dorado, a gilded phantom born of rumor and avarice, drove men to unimaginable feats of endurance and unspeakable acts of cruelty.”

Key themes

Exploration and Conquest
This theme explores the historical phenomena of European expansion into new territories, the motivations behind these voyages (e.g., wealth, glory, religious zeal), and the profound, often violent, consequences for both the explorers and the indigenous populations encountered. It delves into the processes by which new lands were discovered, claimed, and subjugated.
Greed and Ambition
This theme explores the human drives of avarice and the desire for power and recognition as primary motivators for historical actions. It illustrates how these forces can lead individuals and nations to undertake extraordinary risks, commit atrocities, and shape the course of history, often with devastating human and environmental costs.
The Power of Myth and Legend
This theme examines how unsubstantiated stories, legends, and myths can exert immense influence over human behavior, decision-making, and historical events. It questions the boundary between belief and reality, demonstrating how a powerful narrative, even if false, can catalyze exploration, conflict, and societal change.

Worth discussing

How does Larned's compilation approach to history differ from a single-authored narrative, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

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