Catalan Poems

The first book-length collection of Catalan poetry from Spain's greatest living poet.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Spain's greatest living poet, Pere Gimferrer, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his prolific and diverse body of work. Born in 1945, Gimferrer has authored over thirty books that span various genres, including verse, fiction, essay, and criticism. While his earliest writings were in Spanish, he ventured into Catalan in 1970, and since then, he has alternated between these two languages with occasional forays into French and Italian. His latest collection, the first book-length publication of his Catalan poetry in English, showcases a remarkable journey through the phases of his career.

Gimferrer's poetry is a testament to his exceptional talent for syncretism, as he seamlessly weaves together references to a wide range of figures and ideas. From Billie Holiday to the medieval polymath Ramon Llull, Ezra Pound to the artist Tapies, his pages are alive with the presence of these diverse influences. His style, characterized by a rich blend of modernism, Galician-Portuguese love lyrics, Gongora's poetry, and the metaphysical musings of Ausias March, reflects the depth and breadth of his literary heritage.

To complement the poetic offerings, the volume includes a selection from the Dietari, an artistic diary that offers a profound insight into Gimferrer's poetics and his understanding of the artist's vocation. Through a series of meditations on figures such as Casanova, Octavio Paz, and others, Gimferrer explores the themes of love, art, and the human condition, providing a captivating glimpse into his creative process.

Pere Gimferrer's literary prowess and his ability to transcend linguistic boundaries have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. His work has been longlisted for the prestigious Best Translated Book Award 2020, a testament to the international impact of his writing. Whether in Spanish, Catalan, or English, Gimferrer's poetry continues to resonate with readers worldwide, leaving a lasting impression on the literary landscape.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 216 x 136 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784107673