Peruvian literature is rooted in the oral traditions of pre-Columbian civilizations. Spaniards introduced writing in the 16th century; colonial literary expression included chronicles and religious literature. After independence, Costumbrism and Romanticism became the most common literary genres, as exemplified in the works of Ricardo Palma.Martin, "Literature, music and the visual arts, c. 1820–1870", pp. 37–39. The early 20th century's Indigenismo movement was led by such writers as Ciro AlegríaMartin, "Narrative since c. 1920", pp. 151–152. and José María Arguedas.Martin, "Narrative since c. 1920", pp. 178–179. César Vallejo wrote modernist and often politically engaged verse. Modern Peruvian literature is recognized thanks to authors such as Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, a leading member of the Latin American Boom.Martin, "Narrative since c. 1920", pp. 186–188.alt=|thumb|Ceviche is a popular lime-marinated seafood dish which originated in Peru.
