Peruvian Traditions: Ricardo Palma's Latin American Historic and Folkloric Tales

The figure of Ricardo Palma stilllooms large in Spanish American literature because he preserved Peru'spast in delightful narratives that he called "tradiciones,"a new genre he invented.His "tradiciones"are widely read in the original language in university and college literatureclasses throughout the United States;however they are relatively unknown to those who do not read Spanish. Thiscollection makes some of his "tradiciones" availableto readers of the English language.Why read them?¿ Because of Palma, Peru and especially Lima,its capital city, will live forever. His "tradiciones"are the door to a fascinating world that the author has portrayed with unusualskill and verve.What is it in the "tradiciones" which explains their popularity? First, theyare interesting.¿ There are duels, loveaffairs, miracles, excommunications and blood shed because of a concept ofhonor which permeated their lives. Second is Palma'sstyle, which is irreverent, ironic, and light in tone. Many have tried toimitate it. No one has succeeded. Finally, he portrays colonial society ingreat detail. One might say that if someone wishes to see how societyfunctioned in real life in Peru'spast he should read the "tradiciones."