1997 0-7734-8607-0 Written in 1595, Fray Mendieta's work presents the history of the advent of Christianity in the Caribbean and Mexican regions as a consequence of the Spanish Conquest. He illustrates the triumph and tragedy of the missionary effort and the difficulties in the conversion of the Indians, conflicts between spiritual ends and material interests. This edition of translated sections also presents some translated selections from Mendieta's letters, including a letter addressed to King Philip II of Spain.