Catalan Poetry Anthology: Key Authors and Themes

Catalan Poetry: A Selection of Key Works

This selection highlights significant Catalan poets and their works, spanning several centuries and exploring diverse themes.

William de Castelldefels (12th Century)

Cançonetes Flat: This troubadour's work focuses on the physical defects, alleged homosexuality, and moral vices of his enemy.

Anselm Turmeda (14th-15th Century)

Praise of Money: A satirical piece exploring the triumph of money in society, a common theme in medieval literature.

George St. George (15th Century)

Prisoner: This poem connects to the enemy army in Naples, where many Catalan and Aragonese knights, including St. George, were held as prisoners.

Ausias March (15th Century)

As Well as Cell Who Is Near Death: Depicts love as a dangerous journey.

Rector Vallfogona (16th-17th Century)

A beautiful lady with black hair and an ivory comb: A portrait of a lady whose black hair contradicts the conventional standards of feminine beauty, which favored blonde hair to inspire love.

Charles Bonaventure Aribau (18th-19th Century)

La Patria: A nostalgic reflection on the homeland from afar. This romantic poem became a symbol of the Catalan Renaissance.

Jacinto Verdaguer (19th-20th Century)

The Two Bells

Miguel Costa i Llobera (19th-20th Century)

Pi de Formentor: Explores personal experiences within a familiar biographical landscape.

Joan Maragall (19th-20th Century)

The Cow Harvest: Contrasts the light and harmony of nature's sounds with the darkness of the animal.

Ode to Spain: Addresses the crises stemming from the colonial war in Cuba.

Joan Alcover (19th-20th Century)

The Blanquerna: A lyrical and humanized vision of the Mallorcan landscape through specific places and characters.

Josep Carner (19th-20th Century)

Belgium: A reflection on the host country during the later years of his life.

Josep Maria Junoy (19th-20th Century)

Ode to Guynemer: A tribute to the fallen pilot Georges Guynemer.

Joan Salvat Papasseit (19th-20th Century)

All Misses Tomorrow: A description of his neighborhood, Barceloneta.

Josep Maria de Segarra (19th-20th Century)

Vine Green: A description of a landscape.

Aquamarine: A reflection on depth and the transcendental meaning of life.

Charles Riva (19th-20th Century)

Súnion! I Will Evoke a Cry of Joy: Emphasizes the importance of Greek tradition during a historical moment (1938) that threatened the Catalan language and culture.

Bartholomew Rossello-Pòrcel (20th Century)

Mallorca During the Civil War: Expresses longing for his homeland and separation from his parents.

J.V. Foix (19th-20th Century)

Sun and Mourning and Vetusta Gonella: A reflection on the loneliness of man in a world dominated by technology, heading towards unknown life forms and a shift in mentality and culture.

Vicent Andres Estelles (20th Century)

Lovers: In praise of erotic relationships.

Miquel Marti i Pol (20th-21st Century)

The Eleanor: A reference to the humble work transmitted through generations.

Maria-Merce Marçal (20th Century)

Flange: An exaltation, a singing cry of freedom that stands against social and literary standards.