Thanks, Eric. I don't disagree with anything you say.

But Grann's critique of colonialism, classicism, and imperialism is much milder than a lot of what's coming out of post-colonial studies programs these days, at least in the U.S.

Perhaps for that reason, The Wager seemed very fair in its assessment. And I suspect that accounts for much of its great success here: Grann makes his views clear, as you say, but without special pleading or shortchanging the facts. Much appreciate your perspective as (I believe) the only commenter so far who's read the book besides me.