This book originated during my years of graduate study at Yale University. It is a product of the stimulus provided by Roberto González Echevarría and a dedicated group of graduate students toward the reevaluation of the works of the Spanish American colonial period. For their inspiration and camaraderie I will always be grateful. I also owe thanks to Francisco Fernández Turienzo whose knowledge of Renaissance thought helped guide my studies of humanism. Both Professors Fernández Turienzo and González Echevarría generously allowed me access to their unpublished manuscripts, as did Diana Gibson, who shared work in progress and valuable bibliographical information. My work also benefitted from the criticism generously given by Margaret Ferguson, whose insights on humanist irony helped shape my arguments on the role of irony in the Comentarios reales, and from conversations with Sarah Lawall, Rolena Adorno, and Irlemar Chiampi, all of whom have left their mark on my work in often unforeseen ways.

My colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Steve Stern, and Thomas Skidmore, have been a source of personal encouragement. I must also thank Frank Salomon for his insights on the Quechua language and Andean religious thought. To David Henige, who read through early drafts of this book and whose acute criticisms and bibliographical suggestions helped sharpen the articulation of my arguments, I owe a special debt of gratitude.

I would also like to thank Laura Chesak for her help in compiling the English translations, David Dean for providing me with access to both his staff and computer equipment, and Judith Green without whose help and encouragement this book might never have been completed.