Francis Augustus MacNutt's biography, Bartholomew de Las Casas; his life, apostolate, and writings, tells the story of a 16th-century Spanish priest who became a pivotal and controversial figure. We meet Las Casas as a young man arriving in Hispaniola, initially participating in the encomienda system that enslaved Indigenous people. A profound change of heart leads him to renounce his own holdings and dedicate his life to their protection.

The Story

The book follows Las Casas's fifty-year fight. He returns to Spain to lobby the king, writes shocking accounts of atrocities (like the famous Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies), and debates with those who justified conquest. He even tries to set up a peaceful colony to prove colonization could be done without violence—a project that failed spectacularly. MacNutt shows us a man constantly traveling, preaching, writing, and arguing, facing enemies on both sides of the ocean, all for a cause most of his countrymen rejected.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book stick with you is Las Casas himself. He's not a perfect saint; he was flawed and some of his proposed solutions were problematic. But that's what makes him real. MacNutt presents a man of relentless, almost exhausting conviction. Reading this, you feel the weight of his mission and the loneliness of his position. It’s a powerful look at how moral courage works in the real world—it's messy, frustrating, and often involves arguing with powerful people for decades without seeing clear victory. It makes you think about how history is shaped by individuals who simply refuse to be silent.

Final Verdict

This is a fantastic read for anyone interested in the roots of human rights advocacy, colonial Latin American history, or complex biographical figures. It’s not a light novel, but MacNutt's writing is clear and drives the narrative forward. You'll come away with a deep understanding of a man who became a voice for the voiceless and helped shape the conscience of an era. Perfect for history buffs who enjoy character-driven stories and readers looking for a real-life account of one person taking on an unjust system.