"It was the first direct encounter between one of the most extraordinary pre-Columbian cultures and the strangers who would eventually destroy it" (Introduction).

"it was the meeting of two radically dissimilar cultures, two radically different modes of interpreting existence." (Introduction).

"On several occasions the Aztecs probably could have wiped out the Spaniards to the last man-their best chance of all was on the Night of Sorrows-but the ceremonial elements in their attitude toward war prevented them from taking full advantage of their opportunities" (Introduction).

"This explains the Aztecs' surprise when the Spaniards, their guests, suddenly turned on them without any apparent motive and-more important-without the customary ritual warning" (Introduction).

"This explains the Aztecs' surprise when the Spaniards, their guests, suddenly turned on them without any apparent motive and-more important-without the customary ritual warning" (Introduction).

"Ten years before the Spaniards first came here, a bad omen appeared in the...