This is a fascinating work and one which probes into the huge Hispanic contribution to the formation and development of United States, hitherto ignored by history. Dr. Vega's painstaking research uncovers and highlights existing information that has been overlooked or disregarded for many years, and incorporates this material into the historical narrative of these United States. The subsequent details provided by the author establish that the United States did not begin in 1607, nor was it confined to thirteen unsettled colonies barely occupying a minute portion of a vast continent. Instead, he sets the clock back to 1513 when the Spaniard Juan Ponce de León landed in Florida, and carries forward well past 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence. "OUR HISPANIC ROOTS: What History Failed to Tell Us" was born out of a well-rounded knowledge and understanding of U.S./Hispanic history and U.S. Hispanic relations going back to the beginning of the 16th century, and of a genuine desire to inform the general public about the enormous and far-reaching contribution of the Hispanic culture to the creation, formation, and development of the United States. Although many excellent books have dealt with this subject in the past, it is believed that none has put forward so many historical facts extending over a period of 300 years and covering so many areas of human life. Since Florida was discovered by Ponce de León in 1513 to well past the 19th century, the Hispanic world played a major role in laying down the foundations of the great American republic up to and beyond the U.S. Civil War, 300+ years of a titanic effort to shape and transform a continent from east to west and north to south. In writing the book, the author did extensive research for over five years and relied on the scholarly work of well-respected historians many of whom are Americans. Each of the facts is well-documented and beyond dispute. It is an engrossing, compelling and riveting read filled with 100s of never-before disclosed facts that are certain to amaze readers of all ages and pursuits. A must-read book for all, but especially for history teachers and students and, most importantly, the U.S. Hispanic community. A shocker of a book long overdue.
