In this episode, Pilar Zazueta and Daniel Arbino discuss the national poem of Argentina, El gaucho Martín Fierro (The Gaucho Martin Fierro) and its surprising connections to Texas. José Hernández published his epic poem 150 years ago; it has been published in 100s of editions and translated into over 70 languages. What is the appeal of the poem, and why is it still popular today?
The release of this episode coincides with a new exhibition in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Room at the Benson Latin American Collection, titled Martín Fierro: From Marginal Outlaw to National Symbol, curated by Melissa Aslo de Torre and Janette Núñez in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the poem’s publication. This visually engaging exhibition incorporates various editions of the book and related materials. Escuchar en español.
Resources (links visible on Benson at 100 homepage)
Matías Emiliano Casas Repository (publications)
National Education Survey (Historical Folklore Survey Argentina)
Edward Larocque Tinker Collections
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