Vicent Andrés Estellés, Joan Rois de Corella, and Joan Fuster: Key Valencian Writers

Vicent Andrés Estellés

Life and work are intertwined for Vicent Andrés Estellés. The death of his daughter deeply impacted his writing. Professional recognition, such as the Award of Honour of Catalan Letters and early retirement, marked his career. He studied journalism in Madrid, where he wrote his first verses, and worked as an editor for Las Provincias. The publication of Llibre de meravelles (Book of Wonders) in 1971 was an immediate success.

Estellés' language draws from three sources: classical tradition, colloquial Valencian, and legal terminology. He employs a series of 'anti-poetic' words, including vulgarisms.

The poetic 'I' is a significant element, offering insights into the author's biography.

His forms, tones, and structures are diverse, including Alexandrine verses.

His tone ranges from civil and humorous to evocative. He seeks to preserve memories. His poetry serves as an inventory of lived experiences.

Joan Rois de Corella

Corella is a clear precursor to the Renaissance.

He chose a clerical life over a military career. Despite being a priest, he had a tumultuous love life, and one of his lovers, Caldesa, holds literary significance.

Corella actively participated in the literary, social, and intellectual circles of Valencia. His lyrical style demonstrates sensitivity.

He imitated Latin syntax.

He was considered a master of Valencian prose, employing techniques like hyperbaton and blending prose with poetry. He combined religious and popular themes.

He wrote both secular and religious works in prose and verse.

Joan Fuster

Fuster quickly established himself as a professional writer. He wrote newspaper articles for Nosaltres, els Valencians (We, the Valencians) and poetry for Terra a la boca (Earth in the Mouth). His essays include Diccionari per a ociosos (Dictionary for the Idle). He embodies the engaged intellectual.

Humanistic Experiment

He practiced daily annotation, publishing Causar-se d'esperar (Causing Oneself to Wait). In these texts, Fuster addressed universal issues as a free thinker, always striving to convey profound truths. He often concluded his works with an ellipsis, prompting further reflection from the reader.

Aphorisms

His collections include Judicis Finals (Final Judgments) and Consells, insolències i proverbis (Advice, Insolences, and Proverbs).

Sociopolitical Writings

He wrote historical and political texts to encourage reflection on the Valencian region. Notable works include Nosaltres, els Valencians (We, the Valencians), Qüestió de noms (A Question of Names), and Ara o mai (Now or Never). He explored issues of identity, emphasizing the Valencian-Catalan cultural heritage.

The History of Cultural Studies

He studied and created significant plots in Valencian history and literature, providing clarity and readability.