Epigramas Griegos
La Paz, Bolivia: Escuela Tipografica Salesiana, 1945. First Edition. Softcover. Octavo size, 125 pp., with two typescript letters, all are signed/inscribed by Franz Tamayo. Text in Spanish. Very good. Item #17071603
A collection of poems by Bolivian poet, philosopher and politician Franz Tamayo (1879-1956); the Franz Tamayo Province is named after him. Tamayo is considered one of the most important modernist or "modernismo" poets of Latin America, along with others such as Oscar Cerruto, Gregorio Reynolds and Ricardo Jaimes Freyre. He was fascinated by Greco-Roman literature, idealized European culture, and strongly opposed Hispanic culture, rejecting indigenous ethnicity as base; concepts which continue to influence Bolivian thought. Despite his dubiously demagogic political rationale, his contribution to Bolivian poetry is undeniable, especially regarding his "Nuevos Rubaiyat" and the present volume, considered among his finest work.
This copy is inscribed to his lady friend, Marina Montenegro de Geddes, and includes two signed typescript letters to her. The first letter is briefly thanking her for her pious compassion, the second is a lengthier letter, explaining that he had been ill and wished to write her himself, thanking her for a German edition of "Filon" which she apparently assisted in acquiring, along with a photograph of herself, with some difficulty. Both are dated from 1954, and the inscription in the book is dated 1947. The letters and volume itself reveal an intimacy and deep friendship between Tamayo and Senora Montenegro, offering a unique glimpse into the personal life of this prominent figure from Bolivian history. Text is in Spanish.
___DESCRIPTION: Original buff wrappers with lettering printed in black to upper wrapper, inscribed by the author on the title-page; octavo size (8.75" by 6.75"), [1-5] 6-125 pp., first edition. Two typescript letters, folded sheets to make [4] pp., Franz Tamayo's personal stationary, purple ink with black borders, text and ms signature to recto of p. 1 only.
___CONDITION: A very good copy, internally bright and complete with original errata, wrappers a bit soiled but overall still quite good, some chipping to tail-edge but no significant loss; overall very good with unique provenance. Both letters are in near fine condition, slightly rubbed at edges but still bright and clean.
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Price: $400.00