Summary
A comprehensive analysis of private letters written by Spanish emigrants from the Americas (1492–1824) reveals significant insights into the blurring boundaries between public and private spheres within these correspondences. The study identifies 1,213 previously unknown letters in the Archivo General de Indias, Seville, adding to the existing corpus of 1,017 published letters. These letters, often part of emigration license applications ('cartas de llamada'), provide a unique lens into familial ties, chain migration, and communicative strategies employed by emigrants despite challenges like wars and lack of infrastructure. The research also critiques existing editions for methodological inconsistencies and advocates for standardized approaches in future publications.
Citation
Stangl, W. (2012). Zwischen Authentizität und Fiktion : Die private Korrespondenz spanischer Emigranten aus Amerika, 1492–1824. https://doi.org/10.26530/oapen_437198