Esteban The Explorer

  

                             Finalist for outstanding Western book of 2019 by
                the Center for the Study of the West at West Texas A&M University

           

Purchase book His names 1st exploration 2nd exploration

What little is known about Esteban mostly comes from 16th-century Spanish chroniclers, plus early American writers. All wrote with a condescension toward the Moroccan slave that has carried over into history books -- if he's mentioned at all.

This biography emphasizes Esteban rather than the Spanish conquistadors. From a premier publisher of the Southwest, the University of New Mexico Press, this extensively researched biography restores a remarkable man to his proper role in history.

Almost all books, as well as some links below, declare Zunis killed Esteban in 1539, despite his death never being witnessed by Indians with Esteban or by any Europeans. Reports of such a death, in other words, are based on assumptions, speculation, and even some plausible fiction for dramatic effect.

This biography of Esteban is available in hardbound or ebook—and soon in paperback.

 Read an excerpt here

LINKS AND FURTHER READINGS

Blog for Esteban book

Reviews (constant updating)

Essay about Esteban on Zócalo Public Square

Discussion Guide for Book Clubs and Readers

The sculptor for the biography's cover image

Noteworthy dates

Table of contents

The "Seven Cities of Cíbola" (never was any gold)

Article about Apalachee Indians who fought Narváez expedition in Florida

Article about Karankawa Indians who enslaved Esteban in Texas

Article about Zuni Indians of New Mexico, first met by Esteban

Flint historians' article about Esteban

Historian Weber's article about Friar Marcos de Niza

Historian Terrell's 1968 book about Esteban (Estevanico)

Wikipedia entry about Esteban (Estevanico)

Presentations about Esteban and the book