Early 20th Century Latina Educator

Elementary Spanish Reader [Cuentos fáciles ilustrados (cover title)]

Borquez, Aurelia

Notes: In her introduction to this reader, Borquez claims that half of these Spanish short stories included were written by her students in the Los Angeles Ebell women's club (presumably with help from their teacher). A quarter of the book is filled with short prose pieces illustrated with in-text engravings, and the rest is devoted to vocabulary. Borquez's stories offer vignettes of Mexican history and culture. She seems determined to counter negative stereotypes about Mexican Americans with stories of the rich culture and history of Mexico.

Maria Aurelia Borquez (Tucson, AZ, 1982 – Houston, 1965) grew up in the Mexican American community in Tucson, the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She married William F. Whenthoff in 1896; by 1910 they were living in Los Angeles. The couple divorced in 1917. For at least a decade, starting no later than 1914, Borquez taught Spanish, operated a Spanish language school, and published five textbooks for her students.

An uncommon book by an early Latina writer and entrepreneur.

157 pages.

Edition + Condition: Covers slightly grubby, else near fine in bright yellow cloth stamped in black.

Publication: Los Angeles: Aurelia Borquez, 1917.

Item No: #306850

Sold