Bernardino de Sahagún, first anthropologist

the long version

"He was sent from Spain on a religious crusade to Mexico to "detect the sickness of idolatry," but Bernardino de Sahagun (c. 1499-1590) instead became the first anthropologist of the New World. The Franciscan monk developed a deep appreciation for Aztec culture and the Nahuatl language. In this biography, Miguel Leon-Portilla presents the life story of a fascinating man who came to Mexico intent on changing the traditions and cultures he encountered but instead ended up working to preserve them, even at the cost of persecution."--BOOK JACKET.