The Last Supper of Chicano Heroes: Selected Works of José Antonio Burciaga (Camino del Sol) - Softcover

Burciaga, José Antonio

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0816526621 ISBN 13: 9780816526628

Publisher: University of Arizona Press, 2008

Synopsis

Widely considered one of the most important voices in the Chicano literary canon, José Antonio Burciaga was a pioneer who exposed inequities and cultural difficulties through humor, art, and deceptively simple prose. In this anthology and tribute, Mimi R. Gladstein and Daniel Chacón bring together dozens of remarkable examples of Burciaga’s work. His work never demonstrates machismo or sexism, as he believed strongly that all Chicano voices are equally valuable.

Best known for his books Weedee Peepo, Drink Cultura, and Undocumented Love, Burciaga was also a poet, cartoonist, founding member of the comedy troupe Cultura Clash, and a talented muralist whose well-known work The Last Supper of Chicano Heroes became almost more famous than the man. This first and only collection of Burciaga’s work features thirty-eight illustrations and incorporates previously unpublished essays and drawings, including selections from his manuscript “The Temple Gang,” a memoir he was writing at the time of his death. In addition, Gladstein and Chacón address Burciaga’s importance to Chicano letters.

A joy to read, this rich compendium is an important contribution not only to Chicano literature but also to the preservation of the creative, spiritual, and political voice of a talented and passionate man.

About this title

About the Author:

Mimi R. Gladstein’s books and articles cover such diverse topics as Hemingway and Steinbeck, Ayn Rand and feminist criticism. She has served the University of Texas at El Paso as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts, Chair of the English Department, and Chair of Theatre, Dance, and Film, and was the first director of the Women’s Studies Program.

Review:

“Burciaga seeks the roots of his Chicano heritage in Mexico and Texas, telling today’s Mexican Americans how the Chicano movement has changed their lives for the better. His personal anecdotes of growing up a stranger to both of his native lands speak to today’s immigrants, especially the second and third generations.”—Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0816526621
• ISBN 13: 9780816526628
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256
• Editor: Gladstein Mimi R., Chacón Daniel