Presença: Folha de Arte e Crítica | Complete run of one of the most important Portuguese modernist literary reviews

Presença: Folha de Arte e Crítica. Coimbra: Presenca, 10 March 1927–February 1940

54 issues in 2 series, with first series: 3 vols. bound in 2, folio (383 x 295 mm), second series: 1 vol., 4to (235 x 180 mm), [With:] issue no. 38, folio (265 x 280 mm), together 4 items. Leaves slightly toned throughout, the occasional stain or hole. First series in publisher’s illustrated cloth, second in contemporary sailcloth, original wrappers laid in; some wear and browning to spines and boards.

First edition, complete run of the most important works of Portuguese Modernism.

Under the direction of José Régio, João Gaspar Simões, and Branquinho da Fonseca, Presença: Folha de Arte e Critica was one of many literary projects born out of mass transitions within Portugal culture. Commencing its run from the early years of Ditadura Nacional (National Dictatorship) to 1940, Presença emphasized the importance of music and art more prominently than its contemporaries such as A Águia (see lot 301). In the inaugural issue of Presença, poet Jose Regio penned the journal’s founding throughline in the manifesto entitled “Literatura Viva”: “Living literature is that into which the artist has breathed his own life, and which therefore begins to live a life of its own. Since this artist is a man superior in sensitivity, intelligence, and imagination, the vibrant literature he produces will be superior; therefore, inaccessible to the conditions of time and space.”

Contributing authors to Presença featured many of the Portuguese literary giants: Adolpho Rocha, Aquilino Ribeiro, Casais Monteiro, João Gaspar Simões, António de Sousa, Saul Dias, Branquinho da Fonseca, Almada Negreiros, Raul Leal, Alberto de Serpa, Irene Lisboa, José Régio, and Fernando Pessoa. 

Issue no. 48, released in July 1936, is dedicated to and in memoriam of Pessoa's passing. Several of the author's letters, works, and remembrances from his colleagues solidify the present work as one of the most significant caches on Pessoa.

Sold as a group, not subject to return.

REFERENCES

Daniel Pires, Dicionario da imprensa periodica literaria portuguesa do seculo xx (1900-1940), pp. 289-94; See also Pires, Dicionário das revistas literárias do séc. XX, pp. 244-8; Clara Rocha, Revistas literárias do século XX em Portugal, pp. 382–437; Saraiva & Lopes, História da literatura portuguesa [1976] pp. 1090-2; Grande enciclopédia XXIII, 180-1; Serpa 958; Almeida Marques 1725