Eduardo Neumann Gandía (26 April 1852[9] – 9 September 1913[10]), was one of Puerto Rico's most accomplished historians. He is particularly well known for his nineteenth century book Verdadera y Auténtica Historia de la Ciudad de Ponce: desde sus primitivos tiempos hasta la época contemporánea.[11][a] His father was Guillermo Neumann, who was mayor of Ponce from 23 April 1851 to 30 September 1851.[12] Eduardo Neumann Gandía's most important work was Benefactores y Hombres Notables de Puerto Rico. (Vol. I, 1896; Vol. II, 1899).[13] Neumann wrote profusely during a period of 30 years, producing some 20 major works plus numerous articles in newspapers and periodicals.
Neumann Gandia was born in Ponce.[14][15] His father was Guillermo Neumann, mayor of Ponce in 1851.[16] His mother was Josefa Gandia, a devout Catholic in the city of Ponce.[17] Manuel Zeno Gandia was his cousin.[18]
Neumann Gandia was known for his autonomic leanings. Reflecting, in 1913, upon the liberties Spain had given Puerto Rico almost 200 years before the U.S. invasion of the Island, he pointed out that Spain had allowed native-born Puerto Rican Ramon Power to serve as a member of Spain's "Junta Suprema del Gobierno Nacional" (equivalent to a member of the national cabinet in modern western governments) as well as vice-president at the Cortes of Cádiz (roughly equivalent to vice'president of the national congress in modern times). Analyzing the freedoms granted by Spain to Puerto Rico he wrote,[19]
"Noble and fair Spanish Republic, which gave Puerto Rico it then [year 1812] all the advancements and freedoms that it proclaimed for itself without prejudices or reservations, freedoms that after one hundred years the American Government refuses to grant us. If Spain did not give more, it was because it couldn't, influenced as it was by "awkward gangs" that lurked around and which imposed themselves upon the Captaincy General to the point of having the audacity of having them deposed of their power, as it happened with Don Simón de la Torre."
Neumann Gandía distinguished himself as an essayist and teacher, as well as an accomplished historian and prolific writer.[20] The best known of his books is his 1913 Verdadera y Auténtica Historia de la Ciudad de Ponce, desde sus primitivos tiempos hasta la época contemporánea ("True and Authentic History of the City of Ponce, from its primitive times to the contemporary age"), a comprehensive and detailed history of the City of Ponce covering over 250 years, from 1646 to 1911. Neumman was also a prolific art collector. He had particularly keen interest in Taino and Antillean pottery in Puerto Rico. Part of his "Bird-Effigy" bowl collection was acquired by Jesse Walter Fewkes in 1919.[21]
Neumann Gandia died in Cherbourg, France, on 9 September 1913, the same year his last book Verdadera y Auténtica Historia de la Ciudad de Ponce was published.[22] In San Juan there is a public housing development named after him. There is also a middle school in Ponce honoring his memory and contributions. He is also recognized at Ponce's Park of Illustrious Ponce Citizens.[23]
The following are works by Eduardo Neumann Gandia:[24]