Wishlist
Book Summary
Fray Servando Teresa de Mier's Memorias is a two-volume autobiographical work by a Mexican priest, revolutionary, and intellectual. Written in prison, it recounts his 1794 sermon denying the Virgin of Guadalupe's Spanish origin, his persecution by the Inquisition, his escapes, and his role in Mexico's independence. It is a key primary source for understanding late colonial and early independent Mexico.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9789700730172” | ||||||
About Memorias. 2 volumenes (Spanish...
Fray Servando Teresa de Mier's Memorias, published in two volumes, is a vivid first-person account of one of Mexico's most controversial clerical figures. The narrative centers on his 1794 sermon in which he argued that the Virgin of Guadalupe had appeared in Mexico before the Spanish conquest, challenging the official story. This led to his trial by the Inquisition, imprisonment, and a series of dramatic escapes across Europe and the Americas. The memoirs also detail his involvement in the Mexican War of Independence and his later political career as a deputy in the Constituent Congress of 1822. Written with wit, polemic, and deep historical insight, the work offers a unique window into the intellectual and political currents of late colonial and early independent Mexico.
Who should read Memorias. 2 volumenes (Spanish...?
This book is essential for historians and students of Mexican independence, colonial Latin America, and religious history. It will also appeal to readers interested in autobiographical narratives of persecution and resistance, as well as those studying the intersection of religion and politics. General readers with a strong interest in Mexican history will find it rewarding, though the dense prose and historical references may require some background knowledge.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides a firsthand account of a pivotal figure in Mexican independence and religious dissent.
- ✓ Offers rich historical detail on the Inquisition, colonial society, and revolutionary politics.
- ✓ Written with a distinctive, polemical voice that brings the era to life.
- ✓ Serves as a key primary source for understanding the cult of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- ✓ Includes vivid descriptions of travels, imprisonments, and escapes across the Atlantic world.
Cons
- ✗ The Spanish is archaic and dense, making it challenging for non-specialist readers.
- ✗ The narrative is highly subjective and polemical, requiring critical reading.
- ✗ Lacks a comprehensive index or annotations in some editions, hindering research.
- ✗ Assumes significant prior knowledge of Mexican colonial history and religious controversies.
- ✗ The two-volume format can be unwieldy and expensive for casual readers.
Similar books
Frequently asked questions
Who was Fray Servando Teresa de Mier?
He was a Mexican Dominican friar, intellectual, and revolutionary who played a significant role in Mexico's independence movement. He is best known for his controversial sermon on the Virgin of Guadalupe and his subsequent persecution by the Inquisition.
What is the main theme of the Memorias?
The Memorias recount Mier's life, focusing on his religious and political struggles, his conflicts with colonial authorities, and his advocacy for Mexican independence. It is also a defense of his controversial views on the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Is this book a primary source for Mexican history?
Yes, it is considered a crucial primary source for understanding the intellectual and political climate of late colonial and early independent Mexico, particularly regarding the role of the Catholic Church and the emergence of Mexican nationalism.
What language is the book written in?
The original Memorias are written in Spanish. There is an English translation titled 'The Memoirs of Fray Servando Teresa de Mier' by Helen R. Lane.
Why was Mier persecuted by the Inquisition?
He was persecuted for his 1794 sermon in which he argued that the Virgin of Guadalupe had appeared in Mexico before the Spanish conquest, thereby challenging the Spanish origin of the devotion and implicitly questioning colonial authority.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.