Preface Increased enrollment in the Spanish classes of our schools and colleges and a growing interest in language study on the part of adult groups in beginning and continuation classes have occasioned many inquiries con cerning suitable readings. The bibliography of Recent Reading Materials for Students of Spanish has been compiled for the convenience of teachers and students who are unfamiliar with current reading matter in Spanish and who wish some guidance with regard to level of difficulty, geographical setting, and type of reading. The list includes representative readings of recent publication and many new editions of works by both Spanish and Spanish American authors. Special consideration has been given the needs of teachers of Spanish in elementary schools and of those who are inexperienced or just entering the field. In noting the grade level or stage at which a reading text is appropriate for class use, it should be understood that the placement is only approximate, since much depends upon the ability and aim of the students and the intensity of the study, and that many of the books are suitable also for supplementary reading at another level. IV Recent Reading Materials for Students of SPANISH Compiled by A Bibliography MARINA CUEVAS and MARJORIE C. JOHNSTON NOVELS GALLEGOS, RÓMULO. Doña Bárbara. Edited with introduction, notes, and vocabulary by Lowell Dunham. New York, F. S. Crofts & Co., 1942. 280 p. [Venezuela] Doña Bárbara, a good example of Spanish American fiction, is a tale of action and suspense with interesting studies of the plainsmen of southwestern Venezuela and realistic portrayal of rural customs. The character of Doña Bárbara, a symbol of barbarity, is opposed by Santos Luzardo, whose idealism and spirit of reform represent the author's concern for the welfare of his people. The novel has been abridged by omission of long descriptive passages and of chapters not essential to the main theme. The biographical sketch, notes, and vocabulary provide the usual study aids. This edition is suitable for use in advanced high-school classes, in the fourth semester of college Spanish, or as supplementary reading in survey courses. GALVEZ, MANUEL. La casa colonial (Oxford Rapid-Reading Spanish Texts, Grade III). Edited with notes, questions, and vocabulary by Guillermo Rivera. New York, Oxford University Press, 1941. 48 p. [Argentina] La casa colonial was prepared for classes whose chief objective is reading ability. It is written with a vocabulary of about 1,400 words, but with free use of the subjunctive and no restrictions of word frequency. Each of the 10 short chapters is followed by questions in Spanish and explanatory notes on difficult expressions. The author, one of Argentina's foremost novelists, treats society with mild satire and gentle humor. It is appropriate for use in the fourth or fifth semesters of high school and in the third semester of college classes. LARRA, MARIANO JOSÉ DE. El doncel de don Enrique el doliente. Edited with introduction, notes, exercises, and vocabulary by J. Horace Nunemaker. New York, The Dryden Press, 1942. 226 p., illus. [Spain] |