“The Real Reason for Censorship, in my Opinion”: Satire and Scandal in the Diario Literario de México (1768), Alzate’s First Gazettes

Abstract

The Diario Literario de México (1768) by José Antonio de Alzate y Ramírez was suspended after only eight issues. This article puts forth a new interpretation of the events that led to the revocation of the printing license, and of the publication of the Diario Literario as a whole. Based on a careful reading of the eight issues of the Diario as well as archival documents that have been seldomly used, the article argues that Alzate’s first publication was an enlightened project, which combined religion with modern science. Alzate sought to impose himself in the Mexican publishing market through varied strategies such as the inclusion of letters penned by his supposed readers and the use of satire. Throughout the Diario’s brief life, Alzate succeeded in fleshing out the figure of the Public that he invoked in his prologue. The authorities tolerated this experiment, but eventually the scandal was such that they proceeded to its suspension and confiscation. Nevertheless, during the eight issues that did come out, Alzate explored the frontiers of the politically acceptable as far as he could.