Recuerdos de Viaje

Recuerdos de Viaje (Travel Memories), published in 1882, is a fascinating and often overlooked milestone in 19th-century Argentine literature. Written by Eduarda Mansilla (1834-1892), a polyglot, novelist, and pioneering figure in Argentine letters, this travelogue chronicles her extended stay in the United States during the American Civil War (1861-1865).

As the sister of the famous writer Lucio V. Mansilla, Eduarda shares his talent for the causerie (engaging, witty conversation), but brings a unique “nomadic” perspective. While her brother traveled for adventure or diplomacy, Eduarda traveled as a diplomat's wife, carrying her “home” with her. This allowed her unprecedented access to the private and domestic spheres of American life—spaces often closed to male travelers.

With sharp wit and a keen eye, Mansilla dissects American society, from the bustling streets of New York to the intimate boudoirs of American women. She comments on fashion, courtship rituals ("flirt"), the role of women in the workforce, and the stark contrasts with her native Argentina. Her narrative oscillates between the domestic and the political, offering insightful observations on the Civil War, slavery, and the treatment of Native Americans, while constantly reflecting on the Argentine nation-building project.

Recuerdos de Viaje is not just a travel diary; it is a sophisticated cultural inventory and a subtle critique of gender roles in 19th-century society. By claiming the authority to speak on both public and private matters, Mansilla establishes a powerful female voice in the genre of travel literature. This Stockcero edition, edited by J.P. Spicer-Escalante, restores this essential text to the canon, offering a vital resource for understanding the intersection of gender, travel, and national identity in Latin America.