Lyons, R., The Conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortez 1518-1521. Albuquerque: The author, 1987. ISBN 0-943435-00-5. Set of 14 etchings, each of print area approximately 10x21 inches, limited edition of 1200, signed and numbered. (Cartographer,  Ink.  Dept.  MGR., 10019 Fairfax Court N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87114, $785.00)

This set of etchings illustrates the conquest of Mexico by Cortez.  Each plate consists of a scene or map, usually with accompanying text. I am not an art critic, but I thought Plate 6, a view of  Mexico City, and Plate 7 showing Montezuma in his glittering finery were quite nicely done.  The plates were inspired by the  accidental find of a French-language copy of de Solis during the remodeling of an adobe structure.  It had apparently been immured around 1700, probably deliberately and fittingly, by a forced-labor crew of Indians constructing the building. One can imagine the Indians shrugging their shoulders when the master asked them where his copy of the conquest was and then bursting into laughter when he left.  For those interested, probably the best course would be to write for the brochure which illustrates the plates.  The plates can also be purchased individually.

David C. Jolly, 1988