Antología de la poesía española (1939-1975) (Civitas, Biblioteca de Legislación) : Book Review

"Antología de la poesía española (1939-1975)" is a curated collection of poetry by José Enrique Martínez that explores a crucial period in Spanish literature. Spanning from the end of the Spanish Civil War to the death of General Franco, this anthology features the works of well-known poets like Vicente Aleixandre, Miguel Hernández, and Blas de Otero, as well as lesser-known yet equally significant voices from the era.

Martínez's selection encompasses a diverse range of literary trends and themes that emerged during this tumultuous time in Spain's history. The poems in this anthology delve into various subjects such as love, politics, social inequality, and existential questions. Through their verses, the poets express their individual and collective experiences, providing readers with a window into the nuances and complexities of Spanish society during those decades.

The book begins with an illuminating introduction that provides historical and literary context for the selected poems. Martínez offers insightful commentary, guiding readers through the significance of each poet and their contributions within the larger literary landscape. This contextualization enhances the readers' understanding and appreciation of the poems, allowing them to engage with the work on a deeper level.

A notable aspect of this anthology is its inclusion of marginalized voices, including female poets and those from Catalonia and the Basque Country. By featuring these poets, Martínez challenges the traditional canon and highlights the diversity of Spain's literary heritage. His commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the importance of representing a wide range of voices make this anthology a valuable resource for anyone interested in Spanish poetry.

In conclusion, "Antología de la poesía española (1939-1975)" is a captivating collection that showcases the rich tapestry of Spanish poetry from a pivotal period in the country's history. Martínez's meticulous curation and insightful commentary make this anthology a must-read for poetry enthusiasts, literature students, and anyone interested in understanding the social and cultural complexities of Spain during the mid-20th century.

What are readers saying?

The book "Antología de la poesía española 1939-1975" written by José Enrique Martínez has garnered a mixed response from readers. This anthology aims to provide readers with a glimpse into the cultural and social changes that occurred in Spain between the years 1939 and 1975 through a selection of Spanish poems.

Some readers have praised the book for its comprehensive collection of poems. They particularly appreciated the diverse range of poets featured, as it allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of Spanish poetry during the specific time period. These readers found the book to be a valuable resource for studying and appreciating Spanish literature, especially for those interested in exploring the country's poetic tradition.

However, there are others who felt that the anthology fell short in certain aspects. Some reviewers noted a perceived bias towards more popular and well-known poets, which resulted in the neglect of equally talented but lesser-known writers. This led to a sense of monotony throughout the book, and some readers believed that including more lesser-known poets would have added more depth and variety to the collection.

In addition, some readers found the organization and presentation of the book to be lacking. They felt that the poems could have been curated and arranged thematically or chronologically, rather than being presented in an arbitrary order. This lack of structure made it challenging for readers to engage with the poems and understand their context within the broader literary landscape.

While the anthology was generally well-received for its content, a few readers expressed disappointment with the quality of the translations. They believed that the translations did not do justice to the original poems, often losing their lyrical qualities and nuances. Some reviewers also pointed out errors and inconsistencies in the translations, which detracted from their overall reading experience.

SpanishPoetry Anthology 1939to1975