Images and Experiences of Viceroyalties’ Frontiers: Propositions for Re-readings of the Missionary World and Its Times through Explorations Log-books, Edifying Letters and Personal Correspondence

Abstract

In this paper we propose a re-reading of three types of texts in which the 17th and 18th century Jesuit missionaries in the New World described their experiences as missionaries as well as explorers, but also their personal views and feelings. We expect that such re-readings of their testimonies of the work and life in the missions would help build a richer and more complex image of the missionary life than that based on the grand narrative.