Juan Chabás's Literary Works Re-emerge in Spain and Cuba

The literary world is abuzz with the upcoming presentation of Juan Chabás's works, marking a significant moment for Spanish literature and for Cuba, where Chabás spent a considerable part of his intellectual life.

“

«La singularidad del manuscrito del cuento Peregrino sentado –ya centenario y el primero que se conserva del autor– no se debe solo a que fue la primera prosa de alto vuelo del escritor, refrendada por su publicación en el verano de 1925 en la prestigiosa Revista de Occidente, alentada por el filósofo José Ortega y Gasset; sino, además, por ser una de las piezas más apreciadas por el propio Chabás.

The re-release of 'Sin velas, desvelada,' originally published in 1927, and the facsimile edition of 'Peregrino sentado' (circa 1923) are particularly noteworthy. These publications, curated by Javier Pérez Bazo, a specialist in Chabás's work, not only celebrate the 125th anniversary of the author's birth but also highlight his enduring relevance. 'Sin velas, desvelada' is significant as it lends its name to the influential Spanish literary generation of 1927, a group Chabás was instrumental in defining through his prose and essays.

“

«De hecho, corrigió el texto estando oculto con su esposa Aída Valls en el hotel Ocean, en el Malecón, con el fin de eludir la constante persecución política del dictador Batista, situación que, sin duda, contribuyó al infarto mortal en su casa de el Vedado»,

Chabás's life story is one of intellectual rigor and political conviction. His work on 'Peregrino sentado' was completed while in hiding with his wife during the Batista dictatorship, a period of intense persecution that undoubtedly impacted his health. This context adds a layer of profound personal struggle to his literary achievements, underscoring his resilience as an anti-fascist fighter and a dedicated intellectual.

“

«La novela Sin velas, desvelada se reedita al cabo de un siglo. La había escrito Chabás entre su tierra levantina y la capital de España, y se publicó precisamente en el año 1927, que muy comúnmente da nombre a una espléndida generación de la historiografía literaria española y que el exiliado Chabás fue el primero en utilizar en 1944.

For Cuba, Chabás is more than just a Spanish writer; he is a figure who left an indelible mark as a university professor and a 'man of integrity.' His influence is felt in the nation's literary landscape, and his story is intertwined with Cuba's own history of intellectual resistance. The presentation in Denia, and the subsequent recognition of his work, serves as a reminder of the deep cultural connections between Spain and Cuba, and the shared literary heritage that continues to thrive. This event is a testament to how Chabás's legacy, forged in both Spain and Cuba, continues to inspire and resonate.

“

«No se olvide que fue esa su propia generación –la de Lorca, Alberti, Guillén, Aleixandre, Salinas…–, no tanto por sus versos, como por sus prosas de creación y ensayos. Hoy la crítica reserva a Juan Chabás un