Universality and Utopia: The 20th Century Indigenista Peruvian Tradition

This book explores the intersection of philosophical and literary universalism in Latin America, tracing its configuration within the twentieth-century Peruvian socialist indigenista tradition. It argues that Peruvian indigenista literature formed part of a historical sequence through which urban mestizo intellectuals sought to imagine a future for Peruvian society as a whole, integrating pre-Hispanic and Western cultural and economic forms to give shape to a process of alternative modernity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between philosophical and literary universalism in Latin America, shedding light on its unique configuration within the twentieth-century Peruvian socialist indigenista tradition. Stemming from the pioneering work of José Carlos Mariátegui and further developed in the literary masterpieces of César Vallejo and José María Arguedas, this exploration takes readers on a profound journey into the heart of Peruvian culture.

Conventional interpretations of indigenismo often view it as a regionalist literature focused solely on depicting and defending the rural Indian, disregarding its broader societal implications. However, this book challenges those narratives by asserting that Peruvian indigenista literature played a pivotal role in shaping a historical trajectory. It reveals how urban mestizo intellectuals embarked on a quest to envision a future for Peruvian society as a whole, transcending the narrow confines of acculturation envisioned by liberal writers of the late nineteenth century.

By embracing a bilateral process of appropriation and mediation between the rural Indian and mestizo, the socialist indigenista tradition sought to forge a path toward alternative modernity that resonated with the unique contours of the Andean world. Indigenista authors embarked on a profound interrogation of the foundations of European Marxism, adapting it to the distinct realities of Peruvian society and history. Through their nuanced writings, they unveiled ever-evolving figurations of emancipatory processes and the diverse forms of revolutionary agency that emerged within the Andean context.

This book serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of Latin American cultural and intellectual heritage, offering a profound exploration of the complex interplay between philosophical universalism and literary expression. It sheds light on the ways in which Peruvian indigenista writers navigated the boundaries between tradition and modernity, striving to create a harmonious and inclusive society that respected the diverse roots of its people while embracing the possibilities of a shared future.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839986871