Book Description:
Peruvian Traditions by Ricardo Palma is a celebrated collection of short stories that blend history, folklore, satire, and humor to capture the spirit and culture of Peru. Spanning from colonial times to the early republic, these “traditions” — as Palma called them — are loosely based on real events and historical figures but are told with creative flair, irony, and a storyteller’s wit.
Each tale offers a vivid snapshot of Peruvian life, exploring themes such as love, politics, superstition, and justice while shedding light on the customs and quirks of different eras. With a style that is both entertaining and rich in local color, Palma’s stories preserve the voices and textures of a nation’s past.
First published in the late 19th century, Peruvian Traditions remains a foundational work in Latin American literature — a blend of cultural memory, literary invention, and national identity.
About Ricardo Palma:
Ricardo Palma (1833–1919) was a Peruvian author, journalist, and librarian best known for his Peruvian Traditions, a monumental contribution to Peruvian and Latin American literature. A self-taught scholar and political activist, Palma was deeply committed to preserving Peru’s cultural heritage. As director of the National Library of Peru, he played a key role in rebuilding it after it was looted during the War of the Pacific. His work as a writer blends historical research with folk storytelling, earning him the title “el bibliotecario mendigo” (the beggar librarian) and a lasting place as one of Peru’s literary icons.