Peru in the Guano Age
Being a Short Account of a Recent Visit to the Guano Deposits, with Some Reflections on the Money They Have Produced and the Uses to Which It Has Been Applied
"Peru in the Guano Age" by A. J. Duffield is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the significant economic and social changes brought about by the guano boom in Peru, highlighting its historical impacts and examining various national issues intertwined with this economic period. This book likely delves into the cultural, political, and economic facets of Peruvian society during a time when guano became a pivotal product for international trade. At the start of this historical narrative, Duffield introduces readers to Peru's rich past, contrasting its famed "Golden Age" of the Incas, marked by prosperity, stability, and social harmony, with the more tumultuous and corrupt "Guano Age" that followed. He discusses the changes in governance, agriculture, and law, illustrating a decline in social order and ethical standards that accompanied the explosive trade in guano. The author also hints at a hopeful future, suggesting that the country can learn from its past as it faces modern challenges. Through this lens, the book sets the stage for an exploration of how Peru's identities and resource wealth reshaped its destiny.