The origins of the bullfight can be traced back to prehistoric times, as well as to the civilizations of Babylonia, the Aegean and Phoenecia. The painter compares his solitude, in front of his canvas, to that of the toreador, alone in the bullring. The writer portrays the bullfight as the only art form in which the creative artist constantly puts his life at risk.

Today, the passion of its followers still confronts the detractor's horror at the "barbaric" spectacle. Hated or loved, the corrida with all its ritual and symbolism, has been an inspiration to many artists.

The etchings of Goya and Picasso present a spectacle of light and shade; Puig's oils are a spectacle of colour. The whole is a spectacle that begins with the classic and tragic perception of Goya, moves to Picasso's lighter but still figurative vision and concludes with Puig's seeming abstractions, based on the Lorca poem, whose music has provided a rhythm for all that is illustrated in this book.

272 pages size 24,5 x 34,5 cm, bound, 59 illustrations in black and white 69 illustrations in color .

French Institute of BARCELONA :15 October - 15 November 1996

Cervantes Institute PARIS 5 March 1997

LORCA * PUIG *SHOW ON INTERNET

The music of Lorca's poetry rhythmes with the book's illustrations.Both are the fruit of an original notion, a subtle dialogue between verse and painting. The eye wanders with delight over these aesthetic an poetical variations . (M. Audema- Midi Libre )

The book's pages flow as though from a fountain.... The illustrations echo Lorca's verse like notes in a symphony. (Antonio Fernandéz- Molina - ABC , Spain)

A splendid book.... one could not dream of anything cleaner, more pure or more beautiful....To quote Jean Cocteau : "A work is beautiful the way someone is handsome, beauty is sufficient unto itself." (Pierre Cordelier - Radio Monte Carlo )

This book in three languages is a gamble...won with admirable graphic grace by the Editions du Choucas. The illustrations are an ideal counterpoint to Garcia Lorca's powerful poem. A joy for the eyes and the soul. ( Dee Brooks - VO Hebdo, Paris )

A magnificent book....underscored by Garcia Lorca's poem, the great August Puig has brushed to stoy of tauromachy in 69 abstract, but ptofoundly fitting, illustrations.... Aesthetically truly surprising, and memorable. (Jaume Fabrega- EL Punt, Spain)

Lorca's poem is in three languages, as are the introductions to the artists' works. The layout and design are of great quality. A legendary poem... three different styles, artistic testimonies of three different eras, all of a single passionate theme.... (Miguel Darrieumerlou - Toros)

A magnificent and most interesting book.It has the character to be different from others you might find. (Leopoldo Conde de la Maza, breeder of fighting bulls )

A beautiful and indispensable book for art lovers and "aficionados" . ( Alain Carretero - Radio France )