Ismaelillo

Martí, José. tr. by Tyler Fisher. U.S.: Wings. 2007. 126p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-916727-42-0. $19.95. POETRY National hero of the Cuban struggle for independence and central 19th-century literary figure, Martí (1853–95) is perhaps the best-loved poet from the isle of poets. Often recited classics in Latin America, the poems in this collection are not nearly as well known in the United States. The facing translation of Martí’s first published book of poems (Thompson and Moreau, 1882) makes this the first complete bilingual edition. Dedicated to his then three-year-old son, José Francisco, and written in exile and without his family, the poems speak lovingly of the father-son relationship and include some prophetic verses about José Francisco’s “remaking him”. Fisher, a professor of Latin American literature and a poet himself, offers a thorough academic introduction that places the book in context and thoughtful translations that maintain Martí’s voice and vigor, rhythm and exultant verses. Highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores, especially those serving Cuban populations