Foundational Work of Chicano Literature Bless Me, Ultima Signed by Rudolfo Anaya

Rudolfo Anaya

First Edition

Rudolfo A. Anaya. Bless Me, Ultima. Berkeley: Quinto Sol Publications, 1972. Softcover. Second edition of this groundbreaking novel by Rudolfo A. Anaya, widely regarded as the foundational work of Chicano literature. Inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper: "To Leslie - My best wishes / Rudolfo A. Anaya." The text follows young Antonio Márez as he navigates cultural, spiritual, and personal upheavals in the American Southwest. Anaya’s novel blends folklore, mysticism, and the realities of growing up in a bicultural environment, offering a deeply introspective portrayal of Chicano identity and tradition.

This edition was published by Quinto Sol Publications, a key press in the Chicano Movement, which also awarded Anaya the Premio Quinto Sol for this work. The novel's cultural and historical importance is amplified by its role in fostering a literary voice for Mexican Americans during the Civil Rights era. The book includes black-and-white illustrations commissioned by Quinto Sol Publications and designed by Dennis Martínez. Cover design by Octavio I. Romano-V. Condition: Very good. 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. The covers show light edgewear, with minor scuffing and rubbing consistent with age. Binding is sound, and the pages are clean and unmarked apart from the author’s inscription.

Item #21305

Price: $325.00