The difficult thing is to recreate. The editorial journey of Jusep Torres Campalans, by Max Aub

Abstract

Although Jusep Torres Campalans, the peculiar literary creation of Max Aub, has been the subject of numerous commentaries, studies and exhibitions, the publishing adventure of the work – a decisive aspect for its proper evaluation and reception – has, to date, scarcely attracted the interest it deserves. In order to make up for this oversight, the article first focuses on the intentional and conjunctural framework of its first appearance, and then displays an adapted exercise in analytical bibliography in which the first edition is subjected to a brief structural and formal analysis that is then contrasted with each and every one of the editions in different languages that have followed since 1958. Beyond looking at the different versions of a work originally characterized by careful construction of word, image and material form, the article aims to promote reflection on the risk that certain editorial routines imply for those literary works that go beyond the margins of convention.