Autobiographies Project

SIP wrote two extensive autobiographies about his work in PR. They provide detailed descriptions of what he did, who he worked with, their challenges and accomplishments. There are two editions of volume one (1929 and 1958 with the latter one including an introduction by Bolivar Pagan) and one edition of volume two. 

These books have been very important primary sources for many scholars. While there are some printed copies of the books available, they are very difficult to find. And, they are written in Spanish and not available in English. This lack of easy access reduces the value that these books could have in understanding and appreciating SIP’s work.

Our Goals

1. Make the autobiographies easily accessible to both English and Spanish speaking readers, including scholars, journalists, teachers and the general public.

2. Add scholarly and historical value to the original text by adding an index, endnotes and introductory essays.

3. Use the republishing as an opportunity to engage scholars about SIP and his work.

4. Use the republishing as an opportunity to attract attention to SIP as well as to IFF’s work and University of Connecticut’s work.

Project Elements

1. Republish both volumes in Spanish including Igualdad’s and Bolivar Pagan’s introductions. Publish as e-books and a limited print edition.

2. Translate both volumes into English and publish including Iguadad’s and Bolivar Pagan’s introductions. Publish as e-books and a limited print edition.

3. Add a forward by IFF regarding the project (why we did it, what we hope to accomplish, thanks to others, etc)

4. Add an index to enable scholars to make best use of material.

5. Add endnotes to provide historical context and easy access to relevant information

6. Add several 5 – 10 page essays by scholars as well as labor organizers invited to comment on the autobiographies, their significance now, etc. 

7. Distribution plan

   • E-book: this would enable a person to download and read it and/or to print their own copy

     1. • add a link to both IFF website and the comprehensive archive website

        • Offer to university libraries

        • Announce to universities and relevant scholarly groups, Latino scholars, labor history scholars, PR history scholars, etc.

   • Limited print edition

     1. • Depending upon cost, decide who we want to give it to and how many copies to print

        • Offer to certain donors

        • Give as part of an award/thank you