A Historical and Descriptive Narrative of Twenty Years' Residence in South America

This three-volume work, published in 1825, describes South American society and culture in the final years of Spanish colonial rule.

W. B. Stevenson (Author)

9781108033657, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 September 2011

454 pages, 3 b/w illus.
21.6 x 2.6 x 14 cm, 0.57 kg

In 1804 when W. B. Stevenson (fl. 1803–25) arrived on the small island of Mocha, just off the coast of South America, he stepped onto a continent on the brink of mass revolution. Over the next twenty years, he had an extraordinary range of experiences: as a traveller, a Spanish government official, a prisoner, and as secretary to an ex-Royal Navy admiral turned revolutionary. In this three-volume work, published in 1825, Stevenson gives a dramatic, fascinating account of life and society in South America as it began to break free from Spanish colonial rule. Volume 2 continues Stevenson's description of the culture and customs of Chile, Colombia and Peru. It also covers Stevenson's arrival in the province of Esmeraldas, where he became governor in 1810.

1. Farm of vinto, cattle, grain, &c.
2. Visit to Caxatambo
3. General mode of travelling from Lima to the different provinces
4. Travels to the north of Lima
5. Historical sketch of Caxamarca, Huaina Capac, Huascar Inca, and Atahualpa
6. Province of Caxamarca
7. Leave Lima for Guayaquil
8. Productions of the province of Guayaquil
9. Journey from Guayaquil to Quito
10. Quito, foundation and situation
11. Visit of the Academicians to Quito in 1736
12. Villa of Ibarra, description
13. Continuation of Esmeraldas
14. Visit to Cayapas.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]