Santos Vega

Hilario Ascasubi's *Santos Vega* (or *Los Mellizos de la Flor*) is a monumental work of "gauchesca" literature. Ascasubi, known as "Aniceto el Gallo," takes the legendary figure of the invincible payador Santos Vega and weaves a vast narrative that captures the intimate life of the *estancia*, the customs of the countryside, and the interactions with indigenous peoples in the mid-19th century.

A Literary Legacy: Ascasubi's work was hailed by contemporaries as the first truly original literature of the River Plate. Critics compared him to the French poet Béranger for his ability to speak to the people in their own voice. This edition includes the historical prologues and critical reviews that accompanied the original publication, offering a fascinating window into the intellectual battles of 19th-century Argentina.

Stockcero's Edition: Recognizing the unique linguistic value of the text, Ascasubi himself included extensive notes to explain the "technical sense" of gaucho vocabulary—words that were already fading from use in his time. Our edition preserves these essential annotations, making the work accessible to modern readers and scholars.