LibGuides: Twentieth-Century Latin American Poetry: Latin American Poets & Poetry

Jorge Luis Borges

Nicolas Guillen

Pablo Neruda

Gabriela Mistral

Cesar Vallejo

Twentieth-Century Latin American Poetry

Toward the end of the millennium, consideration of Spanish American poetry has taken a multi-cultural approach, as scholars begin to emphasize poetry by women, Afro/a Hispanics, contemporary indigenous communities and other subcultural groupings. Poetry, and creative writing in general, also tended to become more professionalized with the growth of Creative Writing programs. After Modernismo and World War I, there were many new currents which influenced Spanish American poets — Cubism, Futurism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Ultraism — Argentinian poet Borges brings it to this continent. Creacionismo — Huidobro. All this (1910 and 1940). Many more movements and groups continue to write the history of Spanish American literature until the present.

Nicolás Guillénn from Cuba and Luis Palés-Matos from Puerto Rico incorporate the African roots in the rhythm of their poetry, making their song unique. Afro-Caribbean trends reappear in the poetry of Nuyorican poets such as Pedro Pietri, Miguel Algarin and Giannina Braschi who continue the tradition of poetry as performance art with anti-imperialist political punch.

Wikipedia: Latin American Poetry

Use Reference Books to start any search. This is a very good source to start with that will give you the background information on the writer you are studying. Reference Books often listen additional books and articles selected to providing further useful information for your research.

Twentieth-Century Latin American Poetry by Stephen Tapscott (Editor)
Call Number: PQ7087.E5 T94 1996
ISBN: 9780292781382
Publication Date: 1996-08-01
Latin American Writers by Carlos A. Solé (Editor); Maria I. Abreu (Editor)
Call Number: REF PQ7081.A1 L37 1989
ISBN: 9780684184630
Publication Date: 1905-06-01
Concise Encyclopedia of Latin American Literature by Verity Smith (Editor)
Call Number: REF PQ7081.A1 E56 2000
ISBN: 9781579582524
Publication Date: 2000-09-01

Hispanic literature of the United States a comprehensive reference by Nicolás Kanellos
ISBN: 0313017298
Publication Date: 2003
Overview of Hispanic literature of the United States -- Chronology of Hispanic literature and culture of the United States -- Who's who of Hispanic authors of the United States -- Significant trends, movements, and themes in Hispanic literature of the United States -- Publishing trends -- Overview of Hispanic drama -- 100 essential Hispanic literary works.
Rainbow Soup by Brian P. Cleary; Neal Layton (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781575057903
Publication Date: 2004-01-08
An introduction to poetry that uses humorous poems, illustrations, and annotations to clarify terms and explain different types of poems, such as macaronic verse, concrete poems, and limericks.

Humanizing Power of Poetry
Espada describes how Henriquez's poem about her father gave a voice to an immigrant who does not speak English. It is a powerful tool in fighting prejudices. Espada says poetry makes a practical contribution by helping students maintain dignity
Understanding Poetry
The human mind cannot understand Rumi's poetry, and neither can desire. Barks asserts that there is another way of "knowing" that is deep within each human being. "Let the beauty we love be what we do," writes Rumi.

How to Appreciate Poetry by Bruce Kirk; Angee Lewandowski; Mike Pauley
Call Number: PN1042 .H69 2005
Publication Date: 2005