"ALMA AMERICA" REVISTA ENCICLOPEDICA MENSUAL. ANO IV , NOVIEMBRE A DICIEMBRE, NO. 33.
Guatemala: Josefina Saravia, 1937. First edition. Paperback. 49p., photos, illus., wrps. Near Fine. Item #197320
An important but elusive Guatemalan magazine founded by Josefina Saravia E. in 1934. Hailed as an important Female publisher but very little information can be gleaned about her. She never married since she is referred to as Senorita. No dates can be found as to her birth and death but it appears that she was born in the 1880's. The magazine was still in existence in 1942 with issue 60. What is most striking is that the magazine in the 40's had dwindled to 22 pages from the 50 pages at its inception. Also the magazine was published in Guatemala City but the last issues were printed in Quezaltenango which was probably a day of travel away from the Capital. The magazine covers lots of subjects related to contemporary Guatemala and some of the issues have articles by Saravia. The magazine is a large format magazine printed on glossy stock. The ads are also very interesting and useful for the student of advertising, commerce and economics. The issues are very well illustrated. The most important thing that can be said about the magazine is that it does not appear to be on Worldcat. There are no issues at Cirma in Antigua, Guatemala. Volume Two, most of which is present in this lot with the exception of issues 15 and 16 are digitized and available on line. This collection has issues 1-13, 21-35 bound in two volumes. The other issues are loose. The Collection is in very good to fine condition. Miraculously despite it being on glossy stock there is no moisture damage.
It is sad that the only thing I could glean from the magazine and author is a postcard written to Miguel de Unamuno asking for commentaries and collaborations. The postcard to him is digitized and repeatedly cited. Saravia mentions she is sending a collection of Alma America to Unamuno but I could not determine if the magazine is in the archivo. It does not appear to be.
Price: $45.00