Written by Tom Hayes and Judy Scalise, ‘The Adventures of Cabeza de Vaca: The Lost Conquistador' is the stirring tale of an explorer who has been largely overlooked by historians. Through meticulous research and good, old fashioned hard work, Hayes and Scalise have now put the spotlight on a forgotten hero in this stunning, richly detailed new book.

Pearland, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/19/2014 --For eight long years, Judy Scalise and Tom Hayes have toiled, researched, edited and written about one man: Cabeza de Vaca.

It's not a name the average person would recognize. Indeed, the Conquistador has been all but forgotten in the annals of time. With the release of their new book, ‘The Adventures of Cabeza de Vaca - The Lost Conquistador', the authors hope to introduce more people to the adventures and achievements of this ‘ignored explorer'.

Hayes and Scalise trace De Vaca throughout the eight years he spent lost in North America, as he survived harsh weather, lurking predators and hostile Indian tribes. Traveling across Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico (long before they were marked by boundaries or named), De Vaca was seemingly imbued with powers that allowed him to perform healing of the sick, and guided him and three of his companions out of a vast wilderness.

A pioneer of civil rights, De Vaca was stripped of his noble titles because of his beliefs concerning the Indian slave trade, and he continued to fight for the fair treatment of the Natives of both North and South America until his death.

An astonishing work, broad in scope and as vivid as a motion picture, ‘The Adventures of Cabeza de Vaca - The Lost Conquistador' will dazzle readers and take them back to a dark, mysterious and dangerous North America - a place where anything could - and did - happen.

Synopsis
Cabeza de Vaca was looking for adventure when he helped lead a group of 300 Spanish explorers to North America in 1528, and he certainly found it when he washed up on the shores of Texas. Lost in the wilderness with his men and living among the Indians, he survived as a wandering merchant, warrior-prince, slave, medicine man, and finally minister of the gospel and faith healer. He gathered native followers during an epic journey across North America as his travels took him from tribe to tribe. He shocked everyone when he came walking out of the wilderness with three of his companions after being presumed dead for nearly eight years. By then, he'd preached the Gospel to thousands of Indians, performed healings, stopped wars, and freed people from bondage. His faith sustained him in even the most difficult of circumstances. Join a fearless explorer on a spiritual journey that began with a sword and armor and ended in winning thousands of souls and hearts.

As the authors explain, De Vaca was notable not only for his loving and brave spirit, but also for the way he approached people he encountered through his exploration of the New World.

"He was truly astonishing," says Scalise. "He was respectful and loyal to the Natives, and believed fervently in their right to live freely - without question. This wasn't typical in that era so he was a pioneer in that sense. He was also the first European to witness Indian tribe ceremonies, rituals and customs."

Hayes agrees: "He was a singular character in history - he brought Christianity to the New World, and demonstrated his faith in his simple, moralistic way of living. He lived and led by example. Not only that, but he seemed to have adventures everywhere he went - which makes for entertaining reading!"

With the release of their book, the authors are now investigating opportunities for bringing the tale of Cabeza de Vaca to the ‘Silver Screen'.

‘The Adventures of Cabeza de Vaca: The Lost Conquistador' is available now from Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats: http://amzn.to/1fk5M3X

About Tom Hayes
Tom Hayes graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in government and from the South Texas College of Law. He has been a Texas trial lawyer for twenty-eight years; he enjoys studying Texas history and speaks Spanish fluently.

About Judy Scalise
Judy Scalise is a native Texan and has been a legal assistant for seventeen years, conducting jury selections and investigations, interviewing witnesses, and working on trial preparations and strategy. An author and painter, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.