Canciones

Overview

With his boundless imagination, Tak's illustrations add a new depth and energy to Lorca's poetry

Federico García Lorca is one of Spain's foremost cultural and literary figures. In 1927, he published his masterpiece Canciones, a volume of lyrical poetry. Tobias Tak transformed twenty of these poems into a series of richly detailed and inventive comics. This collection will appeal to lovers of visual art, graphic novels, and poetry, and aims to bring the colorful and atmospheric landscape of Lorca's work to a new audience. Includes an introduction by Lorca scholar, editor, and translator Christopher Maurer (The Collected Poems of Lorca).

Reviews

"Canciones is a beautiful book that combines outstanding written and graphic imaginations." —Foreword Reviews

"Tak's adaptation picks up the playful spirit of Lorca's poems to go beyond simply illustrating the text, creating a delightfully magical hybrid." —Publishers Weekly

"Wild, near-hallucinogenic vistas and characters blend history with mythology to depict ephemeral situations and timeless moments in this evocative picture hymnal dedicated to the human condition. It's a beautiful achievement and the ideal gift for the sensitive ones in your life." —Slings and Arrows

Author Biography

Tobias Tak (1954-2020) was a Dutch artist, dancer, and singer. Inspired by early 20th century book illustrations and expressionist movies of the 1920s, Tak invented his own unique and elaborate worlds. Early works were published in Dutch cult magazine Tante Leny. His work has appeared in various publications. He has also published two books of collected stories: Gaboon's Daymare and Upside Down. He also was an accomplished tap dancer! Christopher Maurer: Scholar and translator of Garcia Lorca and modern Spanish literature, professor at Boston University. He is the editor of the definitive The Collected Poems of Garcia Lorca, a Bilingual Edition (FSG). Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) is one of the most celebrated 20th century Spanish writers, known primarily for his plays and poetry collections. In 1936 Lorca, an outspoken socialist, was arrested by Franco's regime and executed. Today his work is still as vivid, fresh, and arresting as when it was created.