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 Duende:
A Journey Into the Heart of Flamenco
A travel memoir following several years of the life of Jason
Webster, an Englishman with plenty of travel experience,
who sets out to learn the passion of flamenco in Spain.
Starting in Alicante and following to Madrid, Webster gives
an account of his search for the meaning of duende, "an untranslatable term referring to the feeling
that is the essence of flamenco" (Publsihers Weekly).
A foreigner's perspective on a distinctly Spanish tradition.
Gypsy Cante: Deep Song of the Caves
Sections of lyrics in both Spanish and English are reviewed
by well-known Flamenco aficionados. Consider this more a
book of poetry which looks delves deeper into the tradition
of cante jondo.
 In
Search of Duende (New Directions Bibelot Series)
Hard to think of Andalusian writers without thinking of
Lorca. Born in 1898 during the Spanish-American War and
executed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, Lorca still
left us with plenty to read in a short time. His unique
view of Andalusian culture and folklore make him a perfect
author for exploring the theme of duende. His understanding
of the passion of flamenco translates beyond the genre and
proves a must read for any musician or aficionado of flamenco.
 Pamplona:
Running the Bulls, Bars and Barrios in Fiesta de San Fermin
One of the most accurate books about Pamplona and the running
of the bulls, both in it's historical and contemporary accounts.
From the history to the practical you will get a great feel
for the eight day event and understand what's going on behind
the scenes. More than 130 photographs will help you see
it as well as feel it, at least the best you can until you
go. I'm not one that feels the pull of this fiesta, the
ungodly crowds and risking my life without understanding
the unwritten rules, but the book does a great giving insight
into how it works and what to expect.
 Bulls,
Bullfighting, and Spanish Identities
A Spanish tradition that some love or hate, both inside
and outside of Spain. This book shows that everything which
has to do with the corrida is not only about "differences
in region, class, and politics in Spain but also about that
country's ongoing struggle between modernity and tradition."
A look further outside of Spain covers how this tradition
identifies Spain compared to other European nations as it
pushes forward with a modern society and identity.
 On
Bullfighting
In the middle of depression a female journalist takes on
an assignment about bullfighting, of which she knows little.
What comes of the book is different perspectives than you
generally get in these works, both from the eyes of a woman
and a casual observer who has done some research. A look
at some of the more basic, philosophical questions behind
the bullfight makes a good read for those starting to learn
about the tradition.
Bullfighting: Art, Technique, and Spanish Society
Written from the point of view of the torero rather
than the spectator, the author goes behind the scenes with
the help of some retired bullfighters. Understand the training,
the mentality and the spectacle from perspective of the
man in the ring. Covers such famous figures as Manolete,
Joselito, Belmonte, and Ordez.
 Ritual
and Sacrifice in the Corrida: The Saga of Cesar Rincon
Follow four years in the career of one of the recent heroes
in matador world, Cesar Rincon. In 1991, Rincon burst onto
the scene with a "purity of style that became his trademark".
The author senses Rincon's ability and style as something
that was missing from the corrida for a long time.
From his near death experience in the ring to a series of
triumphant performances in Madrid, the book is a good read
for those with interest.
 The
Dangerous Summer
Hemingway covered the 1959 bullfighting season as a piece
for Life magazine which ended up being his last work before
his death at the age of 60. His goal was to cover the places
and events which inspired his novel Death in the Afternoon. The work concentrates on two rival matadors during
the season while Hemingway's friendship one of them provides
an interesting perspective. Aside from it being Hemingway
and Spain, the book offers a wonderful portrait of bullfighting
and Spain in the Franco era.
 Death
in the Afternoon
The corrida, or bullfight, through the eyes of
Hemingway is something special. Covering the details thoroughly
from the matador to the bull a wonderful picture and lesson
on what the corrida really is: part sport, part
art and of course ritual and pageantry. Hemingway's colorful
descriptions of the matadors, placing them in categories
which range from coward to glory seeker to hero, are something
to remember.
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Many
first impressions of Spain, especially from afar, are of
flamenco and bullfighting. Flamenco is often misunderstood
depending on a person's point of view. Some first think
of the guitar, others singing, and yet others the form of
dance. Flamenco is all of these in their separate forms
as well as an entire experience together. There is also
the history and lyrical, albeit poetic, style behind flamenco
which many may fail to keep in mind when watching a performance
in the present day. The titles listed below will help you
grasp the traditions and better understand the modern.
