Description
JOSEP A. BAIXERAS
Book summary
This first volume of Josep A. Baixeras's complete works brings together his short fiction, offering the reader an essential collection of four short-story books and a scattered narrative. The reader will discover the author's sharp gaze on the society of his time, the portrayal of the customs of his social class, and the atmosphere of Castellet, the fictional city that conceals the real Tarragona. A work of literary maturity that includes an introductory study by Lurdes Malgrat and a prologue by Joan Triadú, which contextualize and enrich the reading of these fundamental stories of Catalan literature.
What is it about?
The volume gathers the short-story production of Josep A. Baixeras, a key author in 20th-century Catalan narrative. Through his stories, Baixeras constructs a social and human fresco that revolves around the city of Castellet, a literary setting that serves as a mirror to the Tarragona of his time. His stories explore the tensions, yearnings, and contradictions of the society he lived in, with special attention to the habits and customs of his social class. The work includes "Perquè no," for which he won the prestigious Víctor Català award in 1959, and which already signals the themes that would obsess the author: psychological observation, the portrayal of environments, and subtle yet accurate social criticism. The book is completed with an introductory study that situates the author in his literary context and a prologue that invites a rereading of these texts.
Main themes
- Portrait of 20th-century Catalan society through its customs and social classes.
- Creation of a unique literary universe in the fictional city of Castellet (Tarragona).
- Mature short fiction, with stories that explore the psychology of the characters.
- Social criticism and observation of the dynamics of power and belonging in a provincial setting.
- Literary and historical contextualization of Baixeras's work within Catalan literature.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in contemporary Catalan literature, especially high-quality short fiction. It is ideal for those who value the work of authors who portray their times with precision and sensitivity, as well as for literary scholars seeking an annotated and contextualized edition of a modern classic. It will also be of great interest to lovers of short stories that explore the human condition through daily life and social relationships.
What this book provides
- Access to the complete short fiction works of a fundamental author in Catalan literature.
- Deep understanding of the social and literary context of 20th-century Catalonia.
- Enjoyment of refined prose and stories that combine psychological observation and social criticism.
- A quality edition, with introductory studies that enrich the reading experience.
- The opportunity to discover or rediscover an author awarded the prestigious Víctor Català prize.
Technical specifications
- Author: BAIXERAS, JOSEP A.
- Publisher: Eumo Editorial SAU
- Language: cat
- Topic: CLASSIC FICTION
- Collection: JOSEP A, BAIXERAS. COMPLETE WORKS
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: January 2011
- Number of pages: 512
- Weight: 1121 g
Editorial review
This edition of the short fiction of Josep A. Baixeras is a reference work for scholars of 20th-century Catalan literature. The inclusion of a prologue by Joan Triadú and an introductory study by Lurdes Malgrat provides indisputable added value, as it places the author and his work in the proper literary context. Readers who approach these stories will find refined prose, a lucid gaze on the society of his time, and the construction of a unique narrative universe. It is an essential edition to complete the library of any lover of good literature.