Daughters of the Conquistadores: Women of the Viceroyalty of Peru

by Luis Martín

Describes the lives of Spanish women who joined the early Spanish settlers in Peru and compares colonial life and customs with those they experienced in Spain

354 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1983

Reviews

[Susan]

Fascinating look at the lives of women in early Peru, from the sublime to the downright naughty. Remarkable stories of those who thrived in spite of the church and colonial brutalism.

[Jennifer Payne Jones]

I read this book as an undergraduate and it opened up the world of the 16th and 17th century explorer generation as nothing else ever had or has done since. The rich variety of lifestyles achieved by this first generation or so of Spanish women in Peru is wonderfully described by Martin. I highly recommend this work!

[Bruce]

Intriguing book about women in the early history of the Spanish conquest and colonization of America. Some of these women were compatriots-companions of the conquistadors assisting in the conquest. The book is more about the female descendents. In those times a girls life was usually controlled by the family. Marriages were, as they had been and in some areas still are, political and financial contracts rather than romantic. However, some women had another option, i.e. join a convent. It apparently wasn't as bad as it might sound to some. In convents there was democracy, women could control their lives and their property and were essentially free of male dominance. Unfortunately, that seems to have changed as the area changed in the late 18th century. An easily read book I would recommend to everyone with an interest in history and current affairs.