El nuevo romanticismo

Published in 1930, José Díaz Fernández's *El nuevo romanticismo* is a pivotal essay that positions itself at the crossroads of a new era. It argues for a radical transformation in art and thought, a "new conception of life" that challenges the very foundations of contemporary civilization. Díaz Fernández critiques the conventional understanding of Romanticism, reinterpreting it not as a mere aesthetic movement but as a destructive and constitutive impulse that aligns with the revolutionary spirit of the early 20th century.

This work explores crucial debates of its time: the role of feminism and women's emancipation, the clash between bourgeois and communist avant-gardes, the intricate relationship between literature and politics, and the enduring problems of liberalism. Díaz Fernández, a prominent figure in Spanish intellectual and political life, uses these poles of contention to advocate for an "advanced literature" (literatura de avanzada) that reflects a new sensibility and a commitment to social justice.

Edited by César de Vicente Hernando, this edition illuminates Díaz Fernández's vision of art as a tool for social transformation, moving beyond aesthetic formalism to embrace a prophetic role for literature. It’s an essential read for understanding the intellectual ferment of Spain's Second Republic and the complex interplay of art, politics, and social change.