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El Ciudadano

Original article: «España en el corazón»: U. de Chile exhibirá histórico libro de Pablo Neruda creado durante la Guerra Civil Española

Every April 23, the International Book Day and Copyright Day is celebrated to promote reading and highlight the significance of books and copyright in our society.

This year, to commemorate this occasion, the Andrés Bello Central Archive of the University of Chile invites the public to explore one of the most extraordinary bibliographic pieces in its collection: Spain in the Heart, a treasure of Latin American cultural heritage and an emblematic work by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda.

Written by the poet during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), this book—preserved by the cultural heritage core of the University of Chile—was published in 1938 by the Literary Editions of the Eastern Army Commissariat in Barcelona, specifically in the abandoned workshops of the Montserrat Abbey, and stands as a fundamental piece both for its content and its materiality.

The edition was crafted under war conditions by Republican soldiers, who used the ancient printing press of the Benedictine monastery, one of the most important in Catalonia since the 9th century and home to the Virgin «Moreneta». The militiamen sought to shape the verses written by Neruda, inspired by his experiences with fighters and the assassination of his friend, poet Federico García Lorca.

These events profoundly impacted Neruda’s political views, prompting him to document the horrors of war and the desolation of its victims, thus paying homage to the defenders of the Republic. «In front of you, I have seen the blood of Spain rise to drown you in a single wave of pride and knives,» wrote the poet in this publication.

The book was acquired by the Andrés Bello Central Archive following a donation made by Pablo Neruda himself in 1954 of his private library to the University of Chile.

This particular copy, Spain in the Heart, number 41 of the first print run of just 500 copies, is today one of the few available for public consultation worldwide.

A Book Made of History

One of the most distinctive aspects of this edition is the paper on which it was printed. Handcrafted by the soldiers of the Spanish Civil War in the abandoned factory of the monastery, the material includes fibers from fallen militians’ clothing and bandages, war trophies, an enemy flag, and a prisoner’s shirt.

According to Loreto Millar, coordinator of the Conservation and Heritage Area at the Andrés Bello Central Archive, this book «allows us to study the history of paper from a material perspective, showcasing one of the last high-quality manual processes in Europe before the predominance of mechanical pulp, which accelerated production but diminished durability».

Moreover, the current binding, made of leather with gold decorations and marbled paper, does not correspond to the original production of the copy but reflects the book’s journey as an object, demonstrating its value and care over time.

A Political, Social, and Symbolic Item

Spain in the Heart: Anthem to the Glories of the People in War serves as a direct testimony of Pablo Neruda’s political thought and human commitment.

Nathaly Calderón, coordinator of the Cultural Education and Mediation Area at the University of Chile, noted that «this book carries a deeply symbolic history, both as an object and through its themes. It was created by Republican soldiers amidst war, and its content constitutes a poetic denunciation of violence and an exaltation of human dignity».

In this sense, one of the first pages of the copy displays a dedication from war commissioner José Ignacio Mantecón to the Republic of Chile and to Neruda himself, recognizing his international solidarity work. This detail illustrates how the book transforms into a political and diplomatic document.

Daniela Lehto, a member of the Cultural Education and Mediation Area, commented that part of the poet’s personal experience is evident in the passages of the book narrated in the first person.

«Neruda expresses his grief over the murder of his great friend Federico García Lorca, while he presents himself as an astonished witness to the human consequences of the war. The book becomes a valuable testimony of a conflict with global implications, both materially and narratively,» Lehto states.

Heritage Tour Open to the Community

As part of Book Month, the Andrés Bello Central Archive invites the community to participate on Thursday, April 30, at 4:00 PM in a guided tour of its heritage halls, where this and other historically valuable books will be showcased.

«During this visit, participants will be able to view works such as Spain in the Heart by Pablo Neruda, Los Cantos de Petrarca—the oldest book at the University of Chile, dating back to 1484—as well as various heritage editions,» said representatives from the University.

Registration, with limited spots, is available here.

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