First published in 1909, âLuna Benamorâ is a collection of short stories by the renowned Spanish author Vicente Blasco Ibåñez. The titular tale tells of an impossible love story between a young Jewish woman and a Spanish consul in Gibraltar. The collection also includes âThe Toadâ, âCompassionâ, âThe Windfallâ and âThe Last Lionâ. Musings on society, politics, and the human condition are common themes throughout this classic collection.
Vicente Blasco Ibåñez (1867-1928) was a Spanish journalist, novelist, and politician. Born in Valencia, Ibåñez was a militant Republican in his youth and made many enemies â on one occasion being shot at and almost killed. He was the founder of the republican newspaper El Pueblo and spent time in prison during 1896. Author of over 30 works, Ibåñezâs writing caught the attention of Hollywood and many of his novels went on to become celebrated films, including âSangre y Arenaâ (Blood and Sand), âLos Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsisâ (The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse) and spy story âMare Nostrumâ. Ibåñez died in France in 1928 and is buried in Valencia.