Poesía y prosa de Bonifacio Byrne

Poesía y prosa de Bonifacio Byrne offers a comprehensive look into the life and work of the Cuban Modernista poet Bonifacio Byrne (1861-1936), skillfully edited by Francisco Morán. This edition challenges traditional critical views, which often dismissed Byrne's Modernista inclinations in favor of his patriotic poetry, particularly “Mi bandera.”

Byrne, despite being a provincial poet from Matanzas, stands as a singular voice in Hispanic American Modernismo. His *Excéntricas* (1893) is highlighted as a pivotal work, revealing a poetic aesthetic that embraces the senses, explores themes of death and the double, and engages with homoerotic undertones, differentiating him from his contemporaries.

The collection delves into Byrne's complex relationship with literary Modernismo, his critical reception, and his unique stylistic blend that includes colloquialisms and a strong oral tradition. Morán's introduction critically examines the “mythologization” of Byrne as a purely patriotic poet, arguing for a re-evaluation of his Modernista contributions and his place within Cuban literary history. This volume is essential for students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of Caribbean Modernismo and the nuanced interplay of aesthetics, politics, and personal identity in fin-de-siècle Cuba.