Conquistador : A Reading and Discussion by Archibald MacLeish of His Poem, "Conquistador" before the Mexican North American Cultural Institute

México City, 1963. Reprint. Staplebound. Very Good+. Reprint. Staplebound. This is a reading copy reproduced for a reading and discussion by Archibald MacLeish at the Mexican North American Cultural Institute in Mexico City, April 27, 1962. It is typescript reprint from MacLeish's original publication of the long poem "Conquistador" in 1932. MacLeish was deeply invested in Mexican history and travelled for pleasure and diplomacy to Mexico frequently. He was an American poet and writer who was associated with the Modernist school of poetry, studied English at Yale University and law at Harvard University, and was the Librarian of Congress under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1933, "Conquistador" was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, the first of three awarded to MacLeish. He was influenced by his travels in Mexico and originally in 1928, MacLeish returned to America from Europe, where he began research for his epic poem Conquistador by travelling the steps and mule-ride of Cortez's army through Mexico. MacLeish was emulating his experience by presenting Cortez's conquest of the Aztecs as patriotic symbolism and a warning against fascism. "He was criticized also for transforming his poetic theory and practice from the vintage modernism expressed in "Ars Poetica"--"a poem should not mean / but be"--to a public poetry that commented directly on social and political issues." This is a rare publication and held at the Biblioteca Nacional de Mexico [Worldcat]. Original typescript reprint, stapled, in very good condition, little toning. 65 numbered leaves, 8-1/2x11" reading copy, signed on the cover by Archibald MacLeish.