T HE intellectual pre-eminence of don Carlos Siguienza y G6ngora illuminates the entire spectrum of scholarship in Spanish colonial America and contrasts sharply with the oppression and obscurantism prevalent in seventeenth-century New Spain. As an antiquarian, poet, cosmographer, mathematician, and historian, this celebrated Mexican savant became known throughout the New World and Europe for his outstanding accomplishments as an invitation to join the dazzling court of Louis XIV of France attests. Although he declined this most auspicious request in order to become the Royal Cosmographer of Charles II, he decided to remain in the viceregal capital, and he, together with Sor Juana In6s de la Cruz, graced the cultural life of their native land for nearly half a century.' While Siguienza delved into many disciplines during his lifetime of study, his greatest and most enduring contribution to knowledge rests upon his remarkable ability as an historian. Firmly believing that the examination of history provided a sound basis for the future growth and development of mankind, this leading academician wrote many contemporary and preColumbian historical accounts on secular and religious themes. His most popular work, Los infortunios de Alonso Ramirez, owes much of its success to its literary qualities.2 Early in the year 1690, the Viceroy of New Spain, the Count of Galve, received at his court a Puerto Rican youth named Alonso Ramirez who had just returned from a voyage around the world. Amazed and shaken by the young man's account of his early life in the colonies and his heartrending story of the mistreatment he endured at the hands of English pirates, the Viceroy sent him to Siguienza, his official court chronicler who was in ill health at the time, with the hope that Alonso's awesome adventures might entertain his good friend. This distinguished member of the Viceroy's retinue expressed a personal interest in the young fellow and undertook to assist him to obtain money and a position with the Royal Fleet in the Gulf of Mexico. On hearing the touching story of Alonso Ramirez, Sigiienza y G6ngora quickly recognized the opportunity to capture effectively a moment in Spanish colonial history and he did so with the flare of a good writer. His account of an innocent boy who leaves home to make his own way in the world emulates one of the most popular forms of Spanish literature, the picaresque novel. In essence, this innovative prose fiction reflects the life and times of one who remains on the periphery of society but who displays a dauntless determination to survive and an instinctive drive to overcome his present circumstances and better his lot.3 Alonso's personal nature and his haphazard endeavors which were reminiscent of the life of the picaro, especially that of Alemin's Guzmain de Alfarache, inspired Siguienza to write Los infortunios.4 Although the author's finished composition is basically an historical account, it is a striking example of the efficacious intertwining of history with literary technique prevalent in the picaresque genre.' The result of this delicate balance between historical documentation and creative form not only confirms Sigiienza's outstanding ability as an historian but distinguishes him as a gifted storyteller as well. The novelistic perspective which he employs enhances immeasurably the interest of this historical document and contributes substantially to its commendable stature as a literary work. Conclusive evidence linking Sigienza's work to picaresque literature in general, and to Alemain's masterpiece in particular, may be found throughout his exciting account and may readily be seen in its main character, setting, structure, and style. According to Sigtienza y G6ngora's portrayal, Alonso Ramirez, like such Spanish literary models as Lazarillo, Pablos, and Guzmin,6 is an anti-hero. He is a common boy vested with average abilities whose