Author: JosŽ Antonio Burciaga

Publisher: University of Arizona Press

Published: 2008-09

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 9780816526611

Widely considered one of the most important voices in the Chicano literary canon, JosŽ Antonio Burciaga was a pioneer who exposed inequities and cultural difficulties through humor, art, and deceptively simple prose. In this anthology and tribute, Mimi Gladstein and Daniel Chac—n bring together dozens of remarkable examples of BurciagaÕs 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 ÒThe Last Supper of Chicano HeroesÓ became almost more famous than the man. This first and only collection of BurciagaÕs work features thirty-eight illustrations and incorporates previously unpublished essays and drawings, including selections from his manuscript ÒThe Temple Gang,Ó a memoir he was writing at the time of his death. In addition, Gladstein and Chac—n address BurciagaÕs 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.