Abstract

BARCENAS GARCIA, Felipe. Circulation of Forbidden Books and Images in Chiapas. An Approach through the Trial against a Muleteer (1844). Bibliographica [online]. 2023, vol.6, n.2, pp.53-92.  Epub Feb 23, 2024. ISSN 2594-178X.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iib.2594178xe.2023.2.421.

This article stems from an interest in comprehending the circulation of forbidden books within the peripheral regions of Mexico and how political literature influenced the lower classes during the 19th century. This paper scrutinizes the trial against a muleteer from Tuxtla, Chiapas, who was charged in 1844 for possessing a music box containing an obscene image inside, and a saddle with devilish patterns, as well as books authored by Rousseau and Voltaire. This investigation posits that, to reconstruct the life cycle of the book in the 19th century, it is insufficient to examine the commercial trajectories of renowned publishers and booksellers, for other agents must be considered; muleteers serve as a prime example of such agents: besides trading printed media in peripheral regions, they also spread controversial ideas orally in a variety of public spaces such as squares, roads, haciendas and shops.

Keywords : Forbidden books; muleteers; printing press; censorship; Chiapas.

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