Jose Diaz-Fernandez

This collection features a series of short stories by an influential Spanish author, Jose Diaz-Fernandez, that critiques colonialism through innovative narratives.

This collection marks the first appearance in English of a series of short stories by the influential yet often overlooked early 20th-century Spanish author, Jose Diaz-Fernandez. Jose Diaz-Fernandez showcases seven distinct narratives that cleverly parody the popular serial fiction surrounding Spain's colonial wars in Morocco. Through these stories, the author critiques the political and economic motives behind colonialism, utilizing the rhetoric and stylistic innovations introduced by European avant-garde movements of the 1920s. This unique blend of humor and critique offers readers a fresh perspective on historical narratives.

Published in 1928, Jose Diaz-Fernandez quickly garnered attention and acclaim, leading to translations into multiple languages and swift sell-outs of subsequent editions. In a literary landscape often dominated by the dehumanization of art, as articulated by Ortega y Gasset, Diaz-Fernandez skillfully merges the imagist style of the artistic vanguard with the emotional depth and social engagement characteristic of the political vanguard. His work stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing complex social issues.

The collection's unity is achieved through its seven stories, each contributing to a shared atmosphere of harsh reality and existential struggle. Through these narratives, Diaz-Fernandez offers a post-colonial lens that diverges from traditional anti-war sentiments, presenting a nuanced exploration of the impacts of colonialism. Jose Diaz-Fernandez is celebrated as a significant literary work, rich in human experience and socio-political insight.