Sketches of Life In Chile 1841-1851 - Softcover

Joaquin Vallejo; Frederick H. Fornoff; Simon Collier, Jose

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195128672 ISBN 13: 9780195128673

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2002

Synopsis

Writing under the pseudonym "Jotabeche," Jose Joaquin Vallejo wrote forty-one short articles on Chilean life and society in the early republic. Known for their caustic wit, his writings were an instant success when they were first published in Chilean magazines and newspapers. This volume presents these vivid essays for the first time in English. Vallejo made famous the style of writing termed "costumbrista"--sketches and vignettes of society and local customs. He focused on the Norte Chico, or the mining zone of Copiapo where he was born and where he lived most of his later life. His essays include vivid studies of mineworkers; the advancement of modernity in the steamships at Caldera; the religious, intensely cultural province of Copiapo; and the general atmosphere of liberalism beginning to pervade the country of Chile during that time. Considered the founder of his country's "genuinely national literature," he is the first creative writer of stature to emerge in Chile after the country's wars of independence. A provincial northerner, his writings give a sense of what these parts of Chile looked and felt like during the years of the early Chilean republic, and are consequently of ultimate value.

About this title

About the Author

Simon Collier is currently Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, specializing in the history of Chile. Frederick Fornoff is Professor of Spanish, Comparative Literature, and Creative Writing at The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He is the recipient of many awards including the NEA, NEH, and Fulbright.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0195128672
• ISBN 13: 9780195128673
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 228