The 16th century odyssey of Cabeza de Vaca is one of the great epics of history. It is the semi-official report of his adventures as the first European to cross the North American continent. In addition to being an unparalleled adventure, Cabeza de Vaca's account of the journey is a glimpse into the pre-European Southwest-the climate, the customs of its natives-and a portrait of an exceptional, surprisingly modern man.