The Cambridge Introduction to Spanish Poetry

The Cambridge Introduction to Spanish Poetry comprises an extended survey of poetry written in Spanish from the Middle Ages to the present day, including both Iberian and Latin American writing. This volume 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). It also supplies a thorough examination of the various interactions between author, text and reader. Containing abundant quotation, it gives a refreshing introduction to an impressive and varied body of poetry from two continents, and is an accessible and wide-ranging reference-work, designed specifically for use on undergraduate and taught graduate courses. The most comprehensive work of its kind available, it will be an invaluable resource for students and teachers alike.

• Provides a stimulating introduction to Spanish poetry, highlighting the continuity of themes through time as well as the evolution of genres and forms • Covers both Spanish and Spanish-American poetry • Written in an accessible way, aimed at students

Preface; Introduction; 1. Poets and readers; 2. The interrelationship of texts; 3. The epic and the poetry of place; 4. The ballad and the poetry of tales; 5. Songs and sonnets - popular and learned poetry; 6. Love poetry; 7. Religious and moral poetry; 8. Satire, burlesque and poetry as celebration; Appendix: Chronological list of poets cited; Bibliography; Index of names; Subject index.

‘A readable introduction to poetry in Spanish, ideal for an undergraduate course. … Profusely illustrated with quotations that receive an accurate and elegant translation in prose, the tone is didactic, the language accessible and the commentary perceptive and never prescriptive. … A pleasant volume that makes a valuable contribution to the library of students of Hispanic literature.‘ Forum for Modern Language Studies