Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism

From Madrid to Mexico City and later Buenos Aires, Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer was a powerful voice among female Spanish literary circles between the 1870s and the 1910s, both as a journalist and as the founder of such periodicals as “La Ilustración de la Mujer,” “El Álbum de la Mujer,” and “El Álbum Ibero-Americano.” Devoted to the advancement of gender causes, women’s right to vote, and the universal right to education, she was a pioneer of modernity. This book includes a selection of Gimeno de Flaquer’s writings: ten private letters, seven short stories, and seventeen newspaper articles carefully selected for this fully annotated critical edition. Ana I. Simón Alegre puts the author in conversation with contemporary readers through precise historical contextualization, revealing her importance in the fields of gender equality and transatlantic connections in the Spanish-speaking world.

Benita Sampedro Vizcaya

Professor of Spanish colonial studies; Dorothy and Arthur Engle Distinguished Professor in Literature

Hofstra University

This is an accomplished study that effectively achieves its aim to bring visibility and new insight to the life and writings of Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer. The work is thoroughly researched, clearly organized, and well-written. As such, it represents an important contribution to the multiple audiences Simón Alegre aims to reach. The breadth of information and depth of detail in the introductory material is impressive indeed. The author provides valuable insight and fascinating analyses of Gimeno de Flaquer’s life and work.

Dr. Kyra A. Kietrys

Chair & Professor of Hispanic Studies

Davidson College, North Carolina

This critical compilation provides a road map for scholars and students alike to explore the rich – and in many cases, purposefully recycled – writings of Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer. Simón Alegre’s comprehensive approach provides unique insight into Gimeno de Flaquer’s industry and activism, as well as sheds light on the complex web of Trans-Atlantic spaces and economies, personal relationships, and socio-political circles in which she maneuvered. The translations of these texts into English, coupled with the painstaking personal and historical research provided in the notes, open a new gateway for future generations of scholars to chart their own critical approaches to Gimeno de Flaquer’s corpus.

Dr. Nora Lynn Gardner

Professor of Spanish

Lincoln University

To say that Ana I. Simón Alegre created a window into the world of the transatlantic author Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer would be an understatement. Simón Alegre has not only created a window but has flung open the door to Gimeno de Flaquer’s universe, inviting readers on an immersive tour, which expertly aids readers in understanding this important author’s life, literature, feminist activism, and broader contributions to the contemporary literary canon […] This carefully and thoughtfully translated collection, paired with Simón Alegre’s comprehensive commentary and historical notes in the context of Gimeno de Flaquer’s life, the author’s personal life and experiences, literary criticism, and the Spanish language of the time, serve as an extraordinary portal to help us clearly see and understand the works of Gimeno de Flaquer and the complex history she experienced as an extremely intelligent and forward-thinking woman who lived in multiple countries. Simón Alegre has done extensive, meticulous research, and has left no stone unturned to include all essential information for a multi-faceted, extensive critical edition of the writings of Gimeno de Flaquer. Simón Alegre takes every small detail into account to make sure that the reader understands the greater historical context and significance of Gimeno de Flaquer’s varied works. […]

This book’s universal appeal stems from its ability to serve various audiences. University students, professors, and the general public, who are interested in learning more about Hispanic literature by nineteenth-century women authors, will find this volume a valuable resource for studying transatlantic literary history and women’s writing. Even skilled Spanish speakers may struggle with the original editions due to their historical context and antiquated language, making this annotated and translated collection especially useful. Beyond academia, the book also attracts general readers interested in discovering overlooked female authors from the nineteenth century. […]

[Extract from book review on the journal 'Letras Hispanas', Volume 21.1, 2025,, pp 154-156. Reviewer: Beth Bernstein (Texas State University) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9kqffujypkj0vfap10hx7/SAlegre_LH_Vol21.1_2025.pdf?rlkey=4zwnh34qrrgrihzwvln9io2vb&st=7pnwkngk&dl=1 ]