The African Slave in Colonial Peru 1524-1650

From a vast array of documentation, from both Iberian and Peruvian archives, Bowser has produced a monumentally detailed study of blacks in early colonial Peru. Methodically and convincingly he develops his narrative. The labor problems faced by the Spanish colonizers of Peru resulted in the growth and development of first the Atlantic and then the Peruvian slave trades. The life of the slave is chronicled: his employments, his absorption into Spanish society as well as his attempts to escape. Finally, the more clouded situation of the free person of color is illuminatingly presented. The excellence of this work may not be overstressed. A vast amount of archival research and convincing historical judgments are evident throughout. More than a quarter of the book is needed for the presentation of the appendices and notes. Yet the text is readable; the material itself is fascinating and the author skillfully leads the reader through the immense amount of data he presents. With this work Bowser establishes himself as a major figure in colonial Latin American history. Students on any level of higher education should have access to this remarkable study. [ Note: Spanish language translation available at https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=6754EFA2FC0FDE39B8B80338FC78A695 ]