The Cambridge Introduction to Spanish Poetry: Spain and Spanish America (Cambridge Introductions to Literature) [Paperback]

D. Gareth Walters (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521794641 | ISBN-13: 978-0521794640 | Publication Date: January 20, 2003 | Edition: Bilingual

This comprehensive survey of Spanish poetry includes Iberian and Latin American writing from the Middle Ages to the present. Unlike most literary histories, it offers a non-chronological approach to the subject. It is arranged by genres and forms (epic, ballad, sonnet) and themes and motifs (love, religious and moral poetry, satirical and pure poetry). The wide-ranging selections in this reference make it appropriate for course use.

Editorial Reviews

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"...an excellent book.... Highly recommended." Choice

Book Description

The Cambridge Introduction to Spanish Poetry comprises comprehensive survey of poetry written in Spanish, including both Iberian and Latin American writing, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Unlike most histories of literature, this one offers a non-chronological approach to the subject in order to highlight the continuity and persistence of genres and forms (epic, ballad, sonnet) and of themes and motifs (love, religious and moral poetry, satirical and pure poetry). Containing abundant quotation, it is both an accessible and wide-ranging reference-work, designed specifically for use in courses.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; Bilingual edition (January 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521794641
• ISBN-13: 978-0521794640
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #807,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A survey of Spanish poetry that goes beyond it, March 12, 2003

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J. Ott "John Ott" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cambridge Introduction to Spanish Poetry: Spain and Spanish America (Cambridge Introductions to Literature) (Paperback)

Walters' lucid prose manages neither to talk down to the reader nor get too academic. This is intended as a college-level text but I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in poetry in Spanish.

Some background with Spanish poetry and the language is helpful, although it is not necessary. Every quote (they are frequent and generous!) is followed by an English paraphrase in clear prose. Walters surveys generally at first then breaks everything down by genre: Epic, Ballad, Songs and Sonnets, Love poetry, Religious and Satire/Burlesqe.

His theoretical framework is informed by Harold Bloom's idea of 'the anxiety of influence' but thankfully not overwhelmed by it. I learned an enormous amount about poetry, not just Spanish poetry, by reading this book. Walters impressed me as a sensitive reader and critic.

Authors quoted in this book include: El Cid author, Manrique, Luis de Gongora, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Jose de Espronceda, Jose Hernandez, Becquer, Miguel de Unamuno, Dario, Antonio and Manuel Machado, Vicente Huidobro, Pedro Salinas, Gerardo Diego, Lorca, Borges, Rafael ALberti, Luis Cernuda, Pablo Neruda, Octavio Paz, Blas de Otero, Ana Rosetti, Gioconda Belli and more.