Las Casas: "The Apostle of the Indies"

The biography traces the life of Bartolomé de Las Casas, recounting his youth, early participation in New World affairs, conversion to the Dominican order, and tireless advocacy for indigenous peoples. It follows his efforts to document colonial abuses, preach before authorities, negotiate peace with resisting native leaders, and seek royal decrees to protect native populations, along with missionary journeys, monastery work, and administrative duties including a bishopric. Themes include moral conscience versus colonial greed, religious vocation, legal and rhetorical struggle for reform, and the personal costs of advocacy. The structure moves chronologically through formative years, missionary labors, controversies, and public campaigns.