Remedios: Stories of Earth and Iron from the History of Puertorriquenos

Morales, a teacher of women's studies, offers a history of the many women and cultures who have met at the crossroads of the island of Puerto Rico, beginning with the First Mother in Africa 200,000 years ago. She weaves in her own story of pain and healing with stories of figures including Juana de Asbaje, author of the first feminist essays written in the New World in 1693, and Gracia Nasi, Constantinople's "Queen of the Jews." These accounts are enriched with information on herbal remedies and traditional foods. Includes a glossary. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.