Description
Barcelona Madrid
Book Summary
This volume brings together two masterpieces by Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Camilo José Cela, originally published in 1966 and 1970. Ediciones del Viento rescues "Barcelona" and "Madrid" in a luxury hardcover edition, magnificently illustrated by two of the most prominent watercolorists of the era. Through agile, fresh, and brazen prose, Cela portrays two cities that, for the modern reader, seem exotic and unrecognizable. A unique literary journey that combines the author's critical eye with the visual beauty of the illustrations, offering a personal and unforgettable vision of two Spanish capitals.
What is it about?
The book presents two independent texts, one dedicated to Barcelona and the other to Madrid, which function as literary and visual portraits of both cities. Camilo José Cela, with his masterful and uncompromising pen, describes the character, people, hidden corners, and atmosphere of each city during the 1960s and 1970s. Far from being conventional tourist guides, these pages are a personal and subjective chronicle, where the author captures the essence of places that have since changed profoundly. The watercolors that accompany each text are not mere illustrations, but an integral part of the work, creating a dialogue between word and image that enriches the reader's experience and transports them to a time and space that no longer exist.
Main Themes
- Literary and subjective portrait of Barcelona and Madrid during the 60s and 70s.
- The urban and social transformation of two major Spanish capitals.
- Camilo José Cela’s critical, ironic, and brazen perspective on daily reality.
- The symbiotic relationship between literary text and artistic illustration (watercolor).
- Historical memory and the documentary value of travel literature and urban chronicles.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in travel literature and urban chronicles with a literary and personal focus. It is especially recommended for admirers of the work of Camilo José Cela and the Nobel Prize winner, as well as for those seeking a historical and artistic vision of Barcelona and Madrid. It will also appeal to collectors of high-quality illustrated editions and anyone wishing to rediscover two iconic cities through the eyes of a master of prose.
What this book offers
- A unique reading experience that combines the masterful prose of a Nobel laureate with the art of watercolor.
- A vivid and nostalgic portrait of two cities that have changed radically, offering invaluable historical and cultural perspective.
- The opportunity to discover Cela's facet as an urban chronicler, with his unmistakable, agile, and outspoken style.
- A high-quality hardcover edition, ideal for collectors and lovers of well-edited books.
- A prologue written by Camilo José Cela Conde that contextualizes and enriches the work.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Cela, Camilo José
- Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L.
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: Prose: non-fiction
- Collection: Catalan
- Binding: Hardcover
- Edition Date: April 2017
- Number of pages: 192
- Weight: 850 g
Editorial Assessment
This edition of "Barcelona Madrid" is an editorial success in rescuing two fundamental texts by Camilo José Cela and presenting them in a format that enhances their literary and artistic value. The Nobel laureate's prose, always vibrant and uncompromising, is enhanced by the watercolors of the time, creating a book object that is both a work of art and a historical document. For readers interested in the evolution of Spanish cities or the author's work, this is an excellent opportunity to access a unique and unrepeatable look at Barcelona and Madrid. The quality of the hardcover edition and the prologue by Camilo José Cela Conde add a differential value that justifies its acquisition.