From Two Republics to One Divided

“[A] carefully researched and convincingly argued analysis of the transition from colonial to postcolonial rule in the Huaylas-Ancash region of north-central Peru. . . . [A]n impressive and compelling book, one that is sure to find a permanent place among important works on nation-making, and on state/subaltern relations, in the postcolonial Andes.” - David Nugent , Latin American Studies

“In this important book, Mark Thurner examines the contradictory place of Andean Indians in the Republic of Peru. He perceptively outlines the disagreements among the political elite about the Andean population, demonstrating that, while statemakers in Peru and other Spanish-American republics concurred that the republic should be stratified, they differed about the exact position of the Indians. Thurner excels at incorporating the Indians themselves into these debates. . . .” - Charles F. Walker, American Historical Review

“Given its remarkable intellectual depth and range, this book will emerge as one of the most widely read and admired works in Andean studies and beyond. This is historical anthropology at its very best.” - Paul Gootenberg, State University of New York at Stony Brook

“Theoretically engaged and narratively engaging, this smartly crafted volume beams light into the darkest corners of 19th-century Andean historiography. In the process, Thurner provides one of the most provocative treatments of peasant political culture I’ve read in years.” - Gil Joseph, Yale University