first edition
1967 · London
by Carpentier, Alejo
London: Victor Gollancz, 1967. First printing. Very good plus in very good plus jacket.. First UK edition of this novel set during the Haitian revolution by the influential Cuban author. Carpentier and this novel in particular are responsible for introducing the concept of "lo real maravilloso" or "the marvelous real" — not to be confused with (though it is certainly a progenitor of) magical realism. His theory, that Latin America, due to its unique history and blend of cultural influences is a place where the line between the real and the fantastic is blurred, was explored in the prologue for the original edition of this novel.
The Marvelous Real purports that the history of Latin America is fantastical in and of itself because of the sheer heightened nature of the events that occur there, an idea that is illustrated beautifully in THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, which is set during the Haitian Revolution and told from the POV of an enslaved black man, blending themes of colonialism and liberation, with voodoo and spiritualism. The practice of traditions such as Hatian voodoo and Cuban Santeria contribute to "lo real maravilloso" by informing their practitioners' experiences of their own regional histories, thus permeating the historical narrative.
Carpentier's influence is undeniable as a father of the soon-to-come Latin Boom generation, many of whom would build upon "lo real maravilloso" by moving towards the more concrete introduction of fantastical elements that would come to characterize magical realism. 7.25'' x 4.75''. Original textured red paper boards, gilt-lettered spine. In original, unclipped yellow typographic jacket, no price (as issued). 150 pages. Jacket with light edgewear and rubbing, faint toning to spine, tiny spot of soil to front panel. Book with front board slightly bowed, touch of bumping to top corner. Crisp. (Inventory #: 53001)
The Marvelous Real purports that the history of Latin America is fantastical in and of itself because of the sheer heightened nature of the events that occur there, an idea that is illustrated beautifully in THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD, which is set during the Haitian Revolution and told from the POV of an enslaved black man, blending themes of colonialism and liberation, with voodoo and spiritualism. The practice of traditions such as Hatian voodoo and Cuban Santeria contribute to "lo real maravilloso" by informing their practitioners' experiences of their own regional histories, thus permeating the historical narrative.
Carpentier's influence is undeniable as a father of the soon-to-come Latin Boom generation, many of whom would build upon "lo real maravilloso" by moving towards the more concrete introduction of fantastical elements that would come to characterize magical realism. 7.25'' x 4.75''. Original textured red paper boards, gilt-lettered spine. In original, unclipped yellow typographic jacket, no price (as issued). 150 pages. Jacket with light edgewear and rubbing, faint toning to spine, tiny spot of soil to front panel. Book with front board slightly bowed, touch of bumping to top corner. Crisp. (Inventory #: 53001)
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