Description
Book SynopsisThe struggles for independence in Latin America during the first half of the nineteenth century were accompanied by a wide-ranging debate about political rights, nationality and citizenship. In South American Independence, Catherine Davies, Claire Brewster and Hilary Owen investigate the neglected role of gender in that discussion. Examining women writers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, the book traces the contradictions inherent in revolutionary movements that, while arguing for the rights of all, remained ambivalent, at best, about the place of women. Through studies of both published and unpublished writings, South American Independence reveals the complex role of women in shaping the vexed ideologies of independence.
Trade ReviewA novel, original, suggestive, and profoundly thought-provoking study of Latin American independence. I genuinely think this is a classic in the making.
Will Fowler, University of St AndrewsThe authors should be praised for in covering several hitherto unknown or forgotten texts, mainly those written by women, as well as for a cautious analysis of these and the scholarly literature written on the subject. ...a valuable contribution to the study if gender roles and female agency in the first half of the nineteenth century in Latin America, and a fine example of the important of an interdisciplinary approach to Latin American independence.
Hispanic American Historical Review, Volume 88, No. 3This book offers an appealing blend of history and literary criticism, with the added benefit on an important focus on women and gender, a theme long neglected in studies of South American Independence. It could be used successfully in upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in history, literature and Latin American studies. And it goes without saying that for scholars of the independence era it is an important addition to bibliographies and book-shelves.
Latin American Studies, Volume 41Table of Contents
- List of plates
- Acknowledgements
- Part I
- 1. South American Independence: War, Liberty, Gender, Text
- 2. Figuring the Feminine: The Writings of Simón Bolivar (1783-1830)
- 3. Troped Out of History: Gender Slippage and Woman in the Poetry of Andrés Bello
- 4. Competing Masculinities and Political Discourse: The Writings of Esteban Echeverria (1805-51)
- 5. Satirised Woman and Counter-Strategies
- Part II
- 6. Women, War and Spanish American Independence
- 7. Women, Letter-Writing and the Wars of Independence in Chile
- 8. Gender, Patriotism and Social Capital: Josefa Acevedo and Mercedes Martin
- 9. Gender and Revolution in Southern Brazil: Restitching the Farroupilha Revolt in the Works of Delfina Benigna da Cunha and Ana de Barandas
- 10. Juana Manso (1819-75): Women in History
- 11. Conclusions: South America, Gender, Politics, Text
- Bibliography
- Index
