Ricardo Palma

One of his sons, Clemente Palma, was influenced by Edgar Allan Poe. He became a successful writer of imaginative tales and wrote many horror stories.

Ricardo Palma's daughter, Angelica Palma, also became a writer as well as a member of the early Peruvian feminist movement.

Ricardo Palma was born into a well-to-do family on February 7, 1833 in Lima, Peru. His family had migrated to Lima before his birth.

His mother had mixed ancestry with African roots and his parents separated while he was a young child.

He showed great ambition and skill at a young age, publishing his first work at the age of 15.

First educated at a Jesuit school, Ricardo Palma went on to study at the University of San Carlos, where he remained until joining the navy at the age of 20.

He began his career at the age of 15 when his first verses were published. He also became the editor of a satirical, political news-sheet called 'El Diablo' (The Devil).

'Consolacion,' a romantic memoir written in 1851, was his first prose piece. Unlike his later 'tradiciones,' this piece was written in a serious tone.

During his years of service in the navy, he focused on composing poetry and romantic dramas, which he later rejected. His first book of verse, titled 'Poesias' (Poems), was published in 1855.

He took a trip to Europe from 1864 - 1865, during which he published a volume of verse titled 'Armonias, libro de un desterrado.'

He gained reputation as a historian with his work tilted 'Anales De La Inquisicion De Lima: Estudio Historico, 1863,' which chronicled the activities of the Spanish Inquisition during the period of the Viceroyalty.

His 'Tradiciones peruanas' is considered to be a significant contribution to Peruvian and South American literature as a whole. Rather than focusing solely on important historical events, these stories are centered around courage, integrity and heroism as well as human idiosyncrasies. By writing about the daily pursuits of members of all levels of society, from viceroys and housewives to criminals and prostitutes, he brings the values and experiences of his characters to life. This allows readers to enjoy a vivid picture of the society of the time and to understand the motivations of Peruvians in the past.

Ricardo Palma's 'Tradiciones en Salsa Verde' were similar to his 'Tradiciones peruanes.' However, because of their crude content, they were published posthumously for fear of appalling the Lima establishment.