'This path-breaking book is the first comprehensive narrative and analysis of early U.S. scholars of Hispanic history and literature. The author opens new windows on the migration of ideas into and out of the U.S.' - James Turner, Professor of the Humanities, University of Notre Dame, France'Iván Jaksi?'s extraordinary study of a generation of mid-nineteenth century New Englanders fascinated with Spain and its satellites across the Atlantic sets new standards in the examination of the origins of Hispanism as a discipline in the English-speaking world. Meet, among others, Mary Mann, Sarmiento's translator and unofficial publicity agent; W.H. Prescott, a warrior in spite of his blindness; and Washington Irving, whose intellectual thefts are still unchallenged. This un-Metaphysical Club still defines the way we misconceive Hispanic civilization in the United States.' - Ilan Stavans, Lewis-Sebring Professor of Latin American and Latino Culture, Amherst College, USA, and author of The Hispanic Condition and Spanglish'This is unquestionably the best study on Spain's place in the imaginary of nineteenth century America. Ranging widely over the work of such luminaries as Washington Irving, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, George Ticknor, William Hickling Prescott, and a bit of Melville as well, the scholarship is original and the presentation superb. A page-turner from the very start, the book is essential for anyone interested in history of Hispanism or theimage of Spain in the United States, as well as the writers whose work Jaksi? surveys.' - Richard L. Kagan, Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University,USA'Highly recommended.' - Choice
