Spanish Post-war Poetry: Movements and Key Authors

Post-war Poetry: The 1940s

Rooted Poetry and Garcilasismo

Formalism, Garcilasismo, or Rooted Poetry: This movement was interested in the perfection of the line and expression, focusing on traditional themes such as landscape or love. The sonnet was the favorite verse form. It is often grouped with poets associated with the magazines Escorial and Garcilaso, including José García Nieto, Luis Rosales, Leopoldo Panero, Luis Felipe Vivanco, and Dionisio Ridruejo.

Uprooted and Existential Poetry

Uprooted or Existential Poetry: This trend is exemplified by Hijos de la ira (Children of Wrath, 1944) by Dámaso Alonso. It possesses an existential character, also seen in the magazine Espadaña with Victoriano Crémer and Eugenio de Nora. Another significant work is Sombra del paraíso (Paradise Shadows) by Vicente Aleixandre.

Other Poetic Trends of the 40s

• Cántico Group: Followers of the Generation of '27, such as Pablo García Baena.
• Postismo: An attempt to continue the avant-garde tradition, led by Carlos Edmundo de Ory.
• Intimism: Focused on existence and religious issues, featuring José Hierro and José María Valverde.
• Testimonial Poetry: A precursor to the social poetry of the next decade, including Blas de Otero and Gabriel Celaya.

The 1950s: Social Poetry

Social poetry beholds the unfair and sad reality of the human condition. The social poet echoes suffering and denounces inequalities and social injustices. Their desire is to transform society; the work is addressed to the "vast majority," with the poet committed to social concerns.

Key Authors of Social Poetry

• Gabriel Celaya: Known for books such as Las cartas boca arriba (The Showdown) and, above all, Cantos íberos.
• Blas de Otero: Incorporated social protest in works like Pido la paz y la palabra (1955), Ancia, and Que trata de España.
• José Hierro: Notable works include Cuanto sé de mí and Cuaderno de Nueva York.
• León Felipe: His work reflects personal drama and the drama of exile, such as Español del éxodo y del llanto and La insignia.
• Juan Gil-Albert: Exiled after the war, he returned to Spain in 1947. His works include Las ilusiones and Poemas del horror y de la sangre.

Poetic Renewal: The Generation of 1950

The decade from 1950 to 1960 saw a poetic renewal. Key figures of this generation include Jaime Gil de Viedma, Carlos Barral, Ángel González, José Manuel Caballero Bonald, Francisco Brines, Claudio Rodríguez, José Agustín Goytisolo, and José Ángel Valente.

Featured Authors of the Renewal

• Ángel González: Notable for works like Áspero mundo.
• Jaime Gil de Viedma: Author of Las personas del verbo.
• Francisco Brines: Known for Ensayo de una despedida (Complete Poetry).
• Claudio Rodríguez: Famous for Don de la ebriedad.
• Antonio Gamoneda: Author of Sublevación del inmóvil and Libro del frío.

The Novísimos: Poetry of the 1970s

In 1970, José María Castellet published the anthology Nueve novísimos poetas españoles. This group included Pere Gimferrer, Guillermo Carnero, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Félix de Azúa, and Leopoldo María Panero.

• Pere Gimferrer: Author of Muerte en Beverly Hills and Arde el mar.
• Guillermo Carnero: Known for Dibujo de la muerte.
• Antonio Colinas: Author of Sepulcro en Tarquinia.
• Luis Alberto de Cuenca: Known for Elsinore and Scholia.
• Justo Jorge Padrón: Author of Los oscuros bueyes and Los círculos del infierno.