The publication of "Las islas invitadas y otros poemas" in 1926 marked the debut of Manuel Altolaguirre, an Andalusian writer whose career spanned poetry, printing, and cinema. As a central figure of the Generation of ‘27, he bridged the divide between traditional Spanish verse and the turbulent political realities that necessitated his eventual exile to Mexico.
Early Publishing and the Generation of ‘27
Born in Málaga in 1905, Altolaguirre attended the University of Granada before establishing the Imprenta Sur, a printing shop that became a focal point for his peers. Through this venture, he published the early works of friends such as Emilio Prados, Vicente Aleixandre, and Federico García Lorca. He co-founded the periodical Litoral, which notably dedicated a 1927 issue to the poet Luis de Góngora. His editorial efforts continued with the magazines Héroe and 1616, the latter designed to foster literary connections between Spain and England.
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Altolaguirre’s own verse evolved from descriptive inquiries into solitude and nature in works like "Ejemplo" to the more politically charged lines found in "La lenta libertad" in 1936. During the Spanish Civil War, he served with Republican forces and directed the theater troupe La Barraca. Notably, he printed Pablo Neruda’s "España en el corazón" using paper salvaged from enemy flags and uniforms. Following an emotional collapse in 1939, he moved to Cuba and later Mexico, where his writing shifted toward mysticism and introspection in collections such as "Nuevas poemas de las islas invitadas" and "Fin de un amor".
Cinematic Career and Final Years
During his final decade, Altolaguirre shifted his professional focus toward the Mexican film industry. Between 1951 and 1959, he contributed to six motion pictures as a screenwriter, producer, and director. In 1959, he returned to Spain to present his work "El Cantar de los cantares" at the San Sebastián Film Festival. While traveling to Madrid shortly after the festival, he was involved in a fatal car accident. He died in Burgos on 26 July 1959 and was buried at San Justo Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Málaga
- Died: 1959, Burgos
- Movement: Generation of ‘27
- Education: University of Granada
- Key Publication: Las islas invitadas y otros poemas (1926)
- Theater Position: Director, La Barraca (1936-1937)
- Languages: Spanish, French
- Burial Site: San Justo Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the magazine 1616?
It was founded to strengthen literary ties between Spain and England by publishing poems in their original languages and in translation.
How did the Spanish Civil War influence his printing work?
He printed Pablo Neruda's "España en el corazón" in 1938 using paper repurposed from captured enemy flags and uniforms.
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