Julián Del Casal (in Memoriam)

The compilation La Habana Elegante. Segunda epoca. XV Anniversary (1998-2012). Julian del Casal (In Memoriam) produced by prof. Francisco Moran offers a wide selection of memories, testimonies, and critical readings on Julian del Casal (Havana, 1863-1893), and of literary works inspired by his work and poetic figure that attest to the fascination that for already more than a century the poet of Nieve has exerted on Cuban and other Latin American writers. Included are texts from already classic authors such as: Ruben Dario, Jose Marti, Paul Verlaine, Jose Lezama Lima, Cintio Vitier, Dulce Maria Loynaz, Virgilio Pinera, Enrique J. Varona, Juan Marinello, etc. This selection shows the impact of Casal on the generation of Cuban writers of the 90s, who took him as a point of reference to critically examine the Cuban literary tradition. Among other important texts from those years are those authored by Antonio J. Ponte, Pedro Marques de Armas and Victor Fowler, which are already essential when evaluating Casals critical reception and his permanent mark on Cuban poets. Thats why this compilation is also a testimony to the modernity of Modernismo, because Casal emerges as an exemplary poet in whom life and work can no longer be separated one from the other, nor from the scope of the city. This volume also shows the intimate connection between graphics and print, and between popular and literary culture when reproducing the advertising announcements of the magazines of the time, as well as their covers, photographs, cartoons and drawings and bringing into light their mutual interdependency. Besides contributing to Casals own iconography – photos are included that were either unknown until now or had not been printed – the volume features a complete reproduction of the issue of La Habana Elegante from October 29, 1893, in which the magazine paid tribute to Casal only a few days after his death. Through critical readings of Casals works written when he was still alive,…