In Search of Duende / Federico García Lorca

New Directions. Trade pb. New. 

An excellent compilation of Lorca’s poetry and prose, emphasizing Lorca’s notion of the duende, the “earth spirit of irrationality and death.”

The notion of “duende”―a demonic earth spirit embodying irrationality, earthiness, and a heightened awareness of death―became a cornerstone of Lorca’s poetics. In Search of Duende gathers Lorca’s writings about the duende and three art forms susceptible to it: dance, music, and the bullfight. A bilingual sampling of Lorca’s poetry is also included, making this an excellent introduction to Lorca’s poetry and prose for American readers.