Launch of 'With Vietnam' - a collection of poems by Spanish poets

“With Vietnam” consists of more than 40 poems composed in the 1960s, the period when the anti-American resistance war was at its fiercest, and also when the anti-war movement spread globally.

The collection of poems was compiled by female poet Angelina Gatell, with the participation of many famous poets such as Rafael Alberti, Gabriel Celaya, Gloria Fuertes, José Agustín Goytisolo, Celso Emilio Ferreiro...

The collection of poems was compiled in 1968 because of its anti-war and anti-imperialist content. It was censored and banned from publication by the Franco dictatorship. In 2016, the manuscript of the collection was found in the censorship agency's archives and was officially published.

Ms. Carmen Cano de Lasala, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to Vietnam and Mr. Bui Tuan Nghia, Director of Kim Dong Publishing House at the book launch event "Together with Vietnam" on April 23, 2025. (Photo: K.D)

Today, when Vietnam is at peace, “With Vietnam” returns as a living testimony in poetic language. “With Vietnam” is a profound and sincere support for Vietnam from the other side of the hemisphere - expressing international solidarity and the desire for peace .

“With Vietnam” is not only history but also a timeless humanitarian echo, reflecting the emotional view of Spanish intellectuals towards Vietnam. These verses not only express love for a nation, but are also the voice of conscience, of conscience before the pain of war.

The exchange session between the guests: Translator Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Xuan Thach and poet Do Anh Vu. (Photo: K.D)

The book is also a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Spain, helping Vietnamese readers today understand more about the country and people of Spain. The appearance of the poetry collection “With Vietnam” contributes to arousing faith in the value of peace, freedom, and national independence in the context of the modern world still facing many uncertainties.

The book of poems was translated by Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung with all the emotion and understanding. She is currently a lecturer at the Spanish Department, Hanoi University.

Exhibition space of Vietnamese poetry and paintings within the framework of the exchange program. (Photo: K.D)

Because it is impossible to find the original paintings and engravings made by artist Julio Álvarez, in this Vietnamese edition, "With Vietnam" has been newly illustrated by 6 Spanish and 6 Vietnamese artists.

This creates an artistic dialogue across time and space that demonstrates the profound resonance between poetry and painting in conveying messages of peace, anti-war and human solidarity.

On the occasion of the launch of the poetry collection, Kim Dong Publishing House organized the book launch event "Together with Vietnam" - A vivid symbol of friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Spain.

At the program, the public had the opportunity to learn about the work, listen to the translator and guest speakers, participate in poetry readings, and visit the unique poetry-painting art exhibition that emerged from the book.

Bao Chau

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/ra-mat-cung-viet-nam-tuyen-tap-tho-cua-cac-nha-tho-tay-ban-nha-post546404.html