Description
THE WONDERS OF THE CASTELLER WORLD
Book Summary
This second volume in the series on the wonders of the casteller world offers a comprehensive analysis of the first "gamma extra" castells (extra-category human towers). The work reviews four iconic constructions that marked a golden age, from the first "dos de nou amb folre i manilles" in history to the "quatre de nou amb folre amb el pilar de set al mig." Through the opinions of those who lived it and a detailed appendix, the reader will discover how these feats have consolidated the current moment as the best in the history of castells.
What is it about?
The book focuses on a key stage of the casteller world, which began in late 1993 and continues today. It examines four "gamma extra" constructions that represent fundamental milestones: the "dos de nou amb folre i manilles," the "pilar de vuit amb folre i manilles," the "cinc de nou folrat," and the "quatre de nou amb folre amb el pilar de set al mig." Of these, two had already been achieved in the 19th century, while the others are innovations of the 20th century. The work includes direct testimonies from the castellers who participated in the rehearsals and the achievement of these castells, and offers an extensive appendix that collects all the "gamma extra" constructions of the current era, helping to contextualize the present moment as the most brilliant in the casteller tradition.
Main themes
- History and evolution of "gamma extra" castells since the end of the 20th century.
- Detailed analysis of four iconic constructions: "dos de nou amb folre i manilles," "pilar de vuit amb folre i manilles," "cinc de nou folrat," and "quatre de nou amb folre amb el pilar de set al mig."
- Testimonies and experiences of the protagonists in the process of rehearsing and achieving these castells.
- Exhaustive compilation of all "gamma extra" constructions of the current era.
- Contextualization of the present moment as the best in casteller history.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at fans and scholars of the casteller world, as well as anyone interested in Catalan popular culture and traditions that combine collective effort, technique, and emotion. It is ideal for those who wish to delve deeper into the most recent and spectacular milestones of this practice, and for those who seek to understand the historical and human context of "gamma extra" castells.
What this book provides
- Detailed knowledge of the first "gamma extra" castells, with precise historical and technical data.
- Access to the experiences and perspectives of the castellers who made these constructions possible.
- A complete and updated compilation of all "gamma extra" constructions of the current era.
- A contextualized vision that explains why the present moment is considered the best in casteller history.
Technical specifications
- Author: BROTONS, XAVIER; BEUMALA CASTELLS, JOAN
- Publisher: Eumo Editorial SAU
- Language: cat
- Topic: POPULAR CULTURE
- Collection: L'AIXECADOR
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: June 2002
- Number of pages: 240
- Weight: 593 g
Editorial review
This work constitutes a relevant contribution to the study of castells, especially for those who closely follow the evolution of "gamma extra" constructions. The combination of historical analysis, direct testimonies, and an exhaustive appendix makes it a valuable resource for both the fan and the researcher. Its focus on a stage of transformation and success in the casteller world makes it especially attractive for understanding the present of this tradition.