Garcia Lorca, Federico; Neruda, Pablo

Beautiful: Translations from the Spanish by Caleb Beissert

ISBN: 1883197252
Cullowhee, NC: New Native Press, 2013. First Edition. Softcover. Signed by publisher Thomas Rain Crowe. "The word "beautiful" is the perfect metaphor for what Caleb Beissert has made of the poems of (Pablo) Neruda and (Federico) Garcia Lorca in this collection-- some of which are well-known, if not "celebrities" of the late 20th and early 21st century literary canon. (Caleb) Beissert has brought, in his translations of these two international giants of modern verse, a new insight into their respective psyches and their Hispanic passion for language. For two such well-documented poets as these, one might wonder whether more translations of their work are necessary. But as Beissert reiterates in his Preface to the book: "I do not believe in 'definitive' versions or in the finality of 'literal translations'. " His renderings in Beautiful put any such philosophical questions or doubts to rest." (from back cover) A volume of poems by two iconic poets of the twentieth century, the Spaniard Federico Garcia Lorca (1898-1936) & the Chilean Pablo Neruda (1904-1973). A thoughtful selection of more & less well-known works by these two literary legends are translated from the original Spanish into English in their own respective sections by Caleb Beissert, an acclaimed North Carolinian poet, translator & performer. With an introduction by Beissert; reproductions of vintage Japanese woodblock artworks by Ando Hiroshige on front & back covers. Trade-format softcover original, first edition, second printing as noted on copyright page (though number sequence thereon would indicate a first printing). A production of New Native Press, the imprint of Thomas Rain Crowe, the noted poet & publisher who is a fellow North Carolina native & colleague of Beissert, & was at the center of the Baby Beat Generation/ Second San Francisco Renaissance during the 1970s (see our book, Starting From San Francisco, Item No. 3071, Deluxe Edition No. 3075). On the copyright page, just below & slightly overlapping with reference to himself & NNP, Crowe has hand-written his signature in bold blue ink. An important & rare collectible for the Garcia Lorca & Neruda devotee, with publisher's association & provenance. In fine condition with mild rubbing, scratching & a few short, faint creases to front, back covers & spine; slight wear & some tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same; previous seller's (or publisher's?) barcode sticker affixed to lower edge of back cover with slight protrusion beyond edge. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners & esp. upper side edges of some page leaves. Fine. [Item #4103]

Price: $30.00