In his lifetime, the Peruvian Ricardo Palma (1838-1919) was one of the most popular and imitated writers in Latin America. As head of the National Library in Lima, Palma had access to a rich source of historical journals and records. His historical miscellanies, which he called "traditions," are witty anecdotes about conquerors, viceroys, corrupt and lovelorn friars, tragic loves and notorious characters.

Translated by: Helen Lane