The Memoirs of Fray Servando Teresa de Mier

by José Servando Teresa de Mier Noriega y Guerra

On December 12, 1794, Fray Servando Teresa de Mier preached a sermon in Mexico City that led to his arrest by the Inquisition. He was exiled to Spain--only to escape and spend ten years traveling throughout Europe, as none other than a French priest. So began the grand adventure of Fray Servando's life, and of this gripping memoir. Here is an invitation hard for any reader to a glimpse of the European "Age of Enlightenment" through the eyes of a fugitive Mexican friar. In this memoir, one sees a portrait of manners and morals that is a far cry from the "civilized" spirit that the Empire wanted to impose on its Colonies. This book takes a look at history from an upside down perspective, asking this who were the real savages, the colonizers themselves, or the supposed "savages" they were struggling to convert?
After ten years, Fray Servando finally returned home to an independent Mexico, where he served the new government before his death. Heretic and rebel, fugitive and visionary, character in a novel and father of his country--Fray Servando Teresa de Mier was all of these things. Translated into English for the first time, this memoir truly captures the passionate spirit of a fantastic man.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1856

Reviews

[Santiago Ramírez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este fraile cuestionó la historia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, expuso la corrupción de Nueva España y el poder de quienes lo acusaron injustamente, escapó una y otra vez de la cárcel y todavía le alcanzó para para apoyar la independencia de América de la corona española: don Servando Teresa de Mier.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In cleaning through my apartment I have found an old treasure-trove of book related papers, including my “books read” list from 1999-2000. In addition to listing the books, I wrote about 2-3 sentences to myself – sometimes they were plot reminders, sometimes commentary on the books. They were not intended to be read by anyone other than myself. I don’t imagine these will be very helpful to anyone else, but I’m posting them here for two reasons: first, to keep my reviews/comments in one place now and, second, because they’re kind of a fascinating look at my younger brain.

Very interesting man who was exiled in Europe and the US (from Mexico). He kept escaping from jails. In book he calls for better government. Is sarcastic towards the Catholic Church. Calls for action.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

irre

[Rene Segundo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look back to pre-independence Mexico, early 1800 Europe. A must read for any serious student of history. It gave me a fantastic insight into my own family's history.