One of the finest recent translations of Sor Juana's "Response." The authors have done an outstanding job of translating and annotating the text. A "must read" for any Sor Juana scholar.

I used this book for a Spanish literature course. Poetry was always difficult for me to understand and appreciate. However, I enjoyed reading the translations of Sor Juana's poetry. Sor Juana rocks! I learned how powerful poetry can be to express thoughts and feelings about society and oneself. The information provided by the authors about Sor Juana's life and their commentary on the poetry made it easier for me to understand. The translations are very well done. My favorite part is the in La Respuesta (p.77-81) where Sor Juana uses her vast knowledge of mythology, history, and the Bible as proof that women are strong and intelligent. Sor Juana uses Deborah, Queen of Sheba, Rahab, Esther, Xenobia, etc. as examples. I did not notice a loss of meaning which is the danger of translating literature that has complex meanings. After checking out Sor Juana and hearing Maya Angelou speak, I don't dismiss poetry so easily anymore. I recommend this book for the Comparative Literature, Spanish, Latin-American studies, and Feminist Studies majors.

Foolish Men! exhibits a thorough historical research of the time and political atmosophere surrounding Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. However, there was too much focus on the bishops and other political figures (all men) and little discussion on Sor Juana. The title and the preface both suggest the text will delve into Sor Juana as "spiritual protagonist, educational prism, and a symbol for women," but there was little connection between the historical backgrounds of the bishops and its effects on Sor Juana, specifically how a new generation of hispanic women can see Sor Juana as a symbol of strength. Overall the text was well-written but lacked a strong argument connecting the theological past of Sor Juana with modern education. This text is more for the curious reader than the Sor Juana scholar.

Una excelente producción culterana de poesía amorosa, escrita por la "Décima Musa", Juana de Asbaje, transmutada en monja por obra y gracia de la época contrarreformista. Se ofrece aquí una sarta correctamente elegida de estrofas clásicas de la mejor poesía española, con graciosos juegos de palabras, dilogías sorprendentes, "conceptos", metáforas asombrosas, etc. El esplendor de la lengua española y la frescura y gracia de una intensa voz femenina.