Pablo Neruda : Nobel Prize-Winning Poet (Hispanic Biographies) [Library Binding]

David Goodnough (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hispanic Biographies | Publication Date: May 1998

Traces the life and career, including the political activities, of the famous Chilean poet.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-This clearly written and well-documented series entry examines the popular and well-respected Chilean poet/politician. Though the black-and-white photos are often dark or grainy, they are well chosen and provide glimpses of Neruda, his culture, and some of the individuals who played important parts in his life: Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Gabriel Videla, and Salvador Allende. Goodnough may oversimplify some of the man's complexities, but outside of a scholarly biography it's hard to imagine how anyone would not. The fact that students are introduced to political issues is itself something of a real plus in this age of homogenized education. Ending with a chronology, chapter notes, and a list of suggested reading, this slender volume satisfies the needs of beginning report writers and provides a springboard to further research for more experienced students. Except for Neruda's words themselves (and William Carlos Williams's translations), there is no better introduction to the life, work, and times of this glorious poet.
Herman Sutter, Saint Pius X High School, Houston, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-12. Two equally powerful childhood influences shaped Neruda's personality. From his compassionate stepmother he learned sensitivity, and from his dogmatic father, who vehemently opposed his son's interest in poetry, he learned militant determination. These two extremes emerged in Neruda's writing and even more profoundly in his political activism. Throughout this Hispanic Biographies volume, Goodnough's style fittingly parallels the evolution of Neruda's life. Early chapters are rich in personal details, including a bittersweet interaction with Gabriela Mistral and the subsequent period he spent as a "brooding, solitary, penniless poet." The book's pace increases markedly as Neruda is exiled from Chile and travels the world. Once Neruda returns to his politically volatile homeland, the focus broadens to include the rise and fall of Salvador Allende. Yet even when Neruda isn't mentioned for several pages, his political and artistic influence remains an unmistakably affecting presence throughout this brief, interesting biography. Chronology; chapter notes; glossary. Roger Leslie

Product Details

• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766010422
• ISBN-13: 978-0766010420
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,051,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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