A number of short historical studies previously published in periodicals and professional reviews have been incorporated in this volume. Some of these have been revised to include additional research, references, and bibliography; and all of them deal with the colonial period of Venezuelan history, with emphasis on the sixteenth century. The Índice General lists two articles on Cubagua, four on Margarita Island, seven on Nueva Andalucía (Cumaná, Barcelona, etc.), seven on Caracas, two on Puerto Cabello, two on the Capitanía General, one on the origins of Barinas, two on Angostura, and one on colonial fortifications constructed to defend the interior from pirates and hostile governments.
As the city of Caracas will celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of its founding in 1967, the essays on this subject are timely and significant. Five contemporary sources indicate conclusively, according to Martínez-Mendoza, that the foundation of Santiago de León de Caracas took place in 1567. No document has yet been located to verify the exact day and month for the first permanent settlement of Caracas, but the preponderance of evidence makes acceptable the traditional date of July 25. Cortés started the custom of displaying the royal standard on the day of San Hipólito because he took Mexico City on August 13, and Charles V decreed in 1530 that every city in the Indies on its saint’s day should parade the Real pendón. Caracas has observed this civic-religious ceremony on the day of Santiago from time immemorial, and for most historians this is sufficient guarantee of the authenticity of its chronological beginnings. Few will question that Santiago was the patron saint of Diego de Losada, founder of Caracas, after reading the informative genealogical article on that illustrious pioneer.
The use of original sources, particularly those found in Spanish archives, to combat historical errors and legends is highly commendable. Critical analysis of conflicting data and interpretations is judicious, but the absence of documentary evidence needed to establish unquestioned truth in several instances is lamented. As much of the writing was for popular consumption one finds considerable repetition and minutiae. This does not detract from the solid research incorporated, and any one interested in Venezuelan history will enjoy the illustrations and selected material included by the author.
