Bless Me, Ultima First Edition Softcover, 1972

Rudolfo Anaya

First Edition

Anaya, Rudolfo A. Bless Me, Ultima. Quinto Sol Publications: Berkeley, California. First Edition, First Printing. June 1972. 8vo. Black softcover with off-white text and illustration of main character, Ultima. Anaya's novel illuminates the importance of retaining one's cultural identity and traditions amidst the pervasive nature of Anglo-Saxon prejudices and religious conversion. He explores the lives of Chicanos living in the Southwest, highlighting the challenging nature of indigenous cultural reconciliation in opposition to monotheism. As a result, Anaya engages with this narrative through the lens of the protagonist, Tony, conveying elements of his own personal struggles within his Chicano identity through Tony's character. Tony navigates his cultural dissonance through a coming-of-age experience, fluctuating between the internalization of Catholicism, parental viewpoints, and ultimately, his indigenous spirituality. Through the stories, legends, and healing practices of a curandera (indigenous witch doctor) named Ultima, Tony is able to come to terms with his roots and Aztec customs, freeing him from a constant state of disorientation. After its publication in 1972, the novel received a vast amount of critique, noting that the themes of occultism, violence, sexual expression were in direct conflict with Catholism. Despite constant efforts to censor the book entirely, many schools have kept the book within their curriculum. The novel is noted as one of the best-selling Chicano novels of all time, selling over 300,000 copies and winning the 1971 Premio Quinto Sol award. Light wear to front and back covers, staining to top and bottom edges, dampstaining and foxing to back cover, creasing to spine. Textblock clean and tightly holding. Fair to good condition. A first edition of this acclaimed Chicano novel.

Item #20962

Price: $285.00