Las Casas: "The Apostle of the Indies"

"Las Casas: 'The Apostle of the Indies'" by Alice J. Knight is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a biography of Bartolomé de Las Casas, a Spanish Dominican friar who became a passionate advocate for the rights of the Indigenous peoples of the New World. It highlights Las Casas's moral journey from a young colonist seeking wealth to becoming a protector of the oppressed natives against exploitation and violence. At the start of the text, we learn about Bartolomé's early life in Seville and the influences that shaped his character, including the significant historical events surrounding the Age of Exploration. The opening chapters set the stage for Las Casas transitioning from a typical participant in colonial endeavors—holding and utilizing Indigenous slaves for his gain—to eventually recognizing the inherent injustices in this practice. His encounters with the horrific treatment of the natives and his eventual decision to fight against slavery highlight his transformation into a fervent advocate for justice and compassion towards the Indigenous populations in the Americas.