Spain and the Independence of Colombia, 1810-1825 (review)
volume also contains a previously published poem recounting a royalist naval victory, which Uldesage satirizes in his own poetic response. In addition to uncovering the real identity of the author of La tapaboca, Amor y Vázquez provides valuable notes regarding the physical aspects of the book, since it was one of the first books published in Puerto Rico and only the second one produced there in poetic form. He meticulously references names, places, and events that occur in the series of documents Level de Goda has compiled. Of particular importance is the editor’s explanation of certain expressions used by the author which shed light on his specific use of irony. With the publication of La tapaboca, Amor y Vázquez succeeds in bringing a rare volume to the attention of specialists in Venezuela’s independence period. The work is unusual not only for reasons surrounding its publication and preservation but because of the point of view held by its author. Although Level de Goda realized that independence was inevitable, he admired and honored his Spanish heritage and was deeply concerned about the consequences immediate self-rule would have in the absence of colonial administration. The uniqueness of La tapaboca, together with the extensive explanatory documentation provided by the editor, make this volume a real contribution to Latin American scholarship that captures and clarifies a moment in Venezuelan history and makes available yet another treasure of the John Carter Brown Library.