This thematic study is the only in-depth investigation into the fictional and testimonial literature of Amanda Labarca Hubertson, Chilean educator, reformer, and promoter of women's rights. These imaginary writings include such little-known works as her semi-autobiographical novel, En tierras extranas (1915), the short novel, La lampara maravillosa (1921), the collection of short stories entitled Cuentos a mi senor, the testimonial Meditaciones and Meditaciones breves (1928-1931), and the marginal journal fragments, Desvelos en el alba (1945). A preliminary chapter also addresses the controversy surrounding her published literary thesis, La novela castellana de hoi [sic, 1906]. The study corrects some interpretive errors regarding earlier scholarship on Labarca's perceived feminist writings by examining the sexual (gendered) complexities that imprint themselves in Labarca's fictional work and literary criticism. While she may be criticized for omitting any materialist analysis of power, in her literature Labarca attempted to effect change in the social order by pointing out its contradictions. Paradoxically, a close reading of Labarca's dangerously contradictory and yet amorous

Latin American Women Writers: An Encyclopedia presents the lives and critical works of over 170 women writers in Latin America between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. This features thematic entries as well as biographies of female writers whose works were originally published in Spanish or Portuguese, and who have had an impact on literary, political, and social studies. Focusing on drama, poetry, and fiction, this work includes authors who have published at least three literary texts that have had a significant impact on Latin American literature and culture. Each entry is followed by extensive bibliographic references, including primary and secondary sources. Coverage consists of critical appreciation and analysis of the writers' works. Brief biographical data is included, but the main focus is on the meanings and contexts of the works as well as their cultural and political impact. In addition to author entries, other themes are explored, such as humor in contemporary Latin American fiction, lesbian literature in Latin America, magic, realism, or mother images in Latin American literature. The aim is to provide a unique, thorough, scholarly survey of women writers and their works in Latin America. This Encyclopedia will be of interest to both to the student of literature as well as to any reader interested in understanding more about Latin American culture, literature, and how women have represented gender and national issues throughout the centuries.

This English translation of Alfonsina Storni gives scholars and students in the fields of Latin American literature, womenÆs studies and world theater the opportunity to study rare examples of theater written by a woman on very controversial and progressive issues at the beginning of the twentieth century. The translation is furnished with an introduction that reviews the whole theatrical production of Storni in relation to the historical and social developments of her time and places her work within the context of the literature and theater of Argentina and the Southern Cone.

Incorporating a wide range of Latin American literary genres, Paulo de Carvalho-Neto's 1972 novel, Mi tio Atahualpa unites Cervantine and indigenous traditions in both form and spirit. This study places the novel within its sociohistorical and literary contexts and considers the elements of Cervantine satire and folk syncretism it displays. Nance teaches Latin American literature and culture at Illinois State University. The text is based upon her doctoral thesis. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Mexican poet Paz (1914-98) wrote Blanco in Delhi while he was ambassador to India. Callan (emeritus, Spanish and humanities, U. of New Hampshire) argues that the poet intentionally and in great detail translated into his own metaphoric language the ancient practice of Yoga, especially as found in Tantric literature and developed in the Mahayana Buddhism of Tibet. Assuming that readers are not necessarily familiar with Tantric yoga, he sets out its precepts before showing how Paz incorporated them. He discusses Blanco's physical layout and yogic fundamentals, channels and centers in the two bodies of yoga and in the poem, preliminary details on the subtle body in the poem, Paz on the word and language, and other topics. Quotations from the poem are in English and Spanish. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).