Ricardo Palma Biography

Ricardo Palma was a Peruvian author, historian, librarian and political figure. Although he produced many essays, short stories and other valuable literary works throughout his life, he is best known for writing a series of historical fiction called 'Tradiciones peruanas' (Peruvian Traditions). These well-received stories, which were originally published in foreign newspapers and magazines and later compiled in Peru, mixed fact and folklore to create a rich and engaging history of colonial and republican Peru. He drew upon oral tradition, history, earlier works and gossip to create his picturesque 'tradiciones.' His education at the University of San Carlos was cut short when he voluntarily joined the Peruvian navy at the age of 20. He served in the navy until political issues forced him into exile in Chile. After six years of exile, which he devoted to journalism, he returned to Peru to participate in the revolutionary movement against Spain. In addition, he took part in the War of the Pacific, protesting against the destruction of the National Library by Chilean troops and later working to restore the library to its former grandeur. He remained curator of the National Library until his death