first published in Madrid
Los Toros / Bullfighting
Ó 2009 by Gary Miers
1962
1964 1974
In 1962, the prestigious Spanish journal Indice de artes y letras dedicated three of its twelve issues of that year to bullfighting. With articles written by some of Spain’s most notable writers, journalists, and bullfight historians, the three issues presented some of the best pieces ever written about bullfighting. Over 300 years of bullfighting history was covered with articles about the politics, art, tragedy, and cultural significance of bullfighting. There were numerous articles about the great historical matadors such as Joselito, Belmonte, El Gallo, Chicuelo, and Manolete to name a few. There were also pieces written by non-Spanish aficionados like Hemingway and Picasso. The issues were so popular that they sold out quickly. Because of their popularity Indice decided to translate and publish the three issues in English as a book under the title Los Toros / Bullfighting in 1964. Unlike the original issues however Indice added even more information and included a copy of a full-sized poster announcing the famous 1947 corrida in Linares in which Manolete was fatally gored by the bull Islero. Indice also included a 45-rpm record containing four pasodobles (see photos below of Table of Contents, poster, and record). They also yielded to American sensibilities by showing Josilito alive on the cover instead of dead. These books also sold out and became quickly out of print. Indice re-issued this English version for the second and final time in 1974 and again they changed the cover and again they sold out quickly. There have been no re-issues since then (Indice de artes y letras ceased publication in 1976). Some used copies are available but most no longer have the poster and record with them.
This is the best bullfighting reference book that I have ever read. It is a must have for all who appreciate the art, majesty, and grace of bullfighting. It is much better than Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon because it was written by Spaniards for Spaniards.
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