“From a Woman’s Pen”: an analysis of women’s correspondence to Miguel de Unamuno in the first third of the 20th century

Abstract

The figure and work of Miguel de Unamuno has been an object of investigative interest from different academic areas and perspectives. Of particular importance is the study of the correspon- dence that the Spanish thinker had with prominent personalities of his era. In this regard, one cannot overlook the rich legacy that exists in the Unamuno House-Museum, property of the University of Salamanca, which makes up the writer’s archive of correspondence, with over 25,000 letters. In this investigation, we have explored a field that had remained largely unknown: the correspondence that the former Rector of Salamanca received from the pen of relevant women in the first third of the 20th century. Through a content analysis of a selection of 40 women, we have studied the exchange of ideas that they expressed in their letters and which they wanted to share with the writer. The results elucidate clear connections between certain historical events linked to the figure of Unamuno and the sociological problems these women experienced.