Jos Silva Robert B Stone

The provided text details the rich and diverse literary history of Colombia, spanning from its colonial origins to contemporary works. It highlights how Colombian literature reflects the nation's multifaceted cultural heritage, blending Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences across varied geographies. The evolution of literary themes and movements is traced, from early chronicles and religious writings during the Spanish Empire to the emergence of Romanticism, Costumbrismo, Modernismo, and avant-garde movements like Nadaísmo in the 20th century. The text also notes the impact of historical events, such as independence movements and periods of violence, on literary expression. It concludes by mentioning contemporary authors and recent poetic trends, emphasizing the ongoing vitality and variety within Colombian literary production.

During the Spanish colonial era in Colombia, literary output primarily focused on narratives of conquest, historical chronicles, religious devotion, and themes of love. Key figures from this period include Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, who documented his own conquests, and Juan de Castellanos, author of the extensive "Elegías de varones ilustres de Indias." Friars like Pedro Simón and priests such as Juan Rodríguez Freyle contributed significant historical accounts of the Spanish conquest and indigenous peoples. The Baroque period saw writers like Hernando Domínguez Camargo, influenced by Spanish poets, and Lucas Fernández de Piedrahita, whose "Historia general de las conquistas del Nuevo Reino de Granada" provided a major work on the conquest and local populations. Female mystics like Francisca Josefa de Castillo y Guevara also emerged, recognized for their spiritual memoirs and devotional writings.

The period of Colombian independence, roughly from 1780 to 1830, saw literature heavily influenced by political discourse, with movements leaning towards Romanticism. Political writing was prominent, and early journalism was established. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of 'Costumbrismo,' a literary style that vividly depicted rural life and offered social and governmental critique. This era produced notable authors who captured the essence of Colombian customs and societal dynamics. The establishment of the first Academy of the Spanish language in the Americas in 1871 further solidified the literary landscape during this transformative period.

The 20th century brought significant shifts in Colombian literature with movements like Modernismo and subsequent modernist reactions that explored themes of ugliness and mystery. The industrialization era spurred new poetic movements such as "Piedra y cielo" (Stone and Sky) in 1939, characterized by its unique literary explorations. Later, the turbulent socio-political climate of the 1940s and 1950s, including periods of violence and military rule, gave rise to Nadaísmo (Nothing-ism). This movement, influenced by existentialism and nihilism, offered an irreverent and iconoclastic perspective on urban life and avant-garde poetry, mirroring international trends like the Beat Generation.

The Latin American Boom significantly impacted Colombian literature, fostering a prolific period for many writers. Following this, the "Disillusioned Generation" emerged in the 1970s, comprising poets who, despite stylistic differences, began publishing in the post-Nadaísmo era. Contemporary Colombian literature is marked by a broad range of authors, including those who practice literary journalism in a 'Gonzo' style, as well as fiction writers exploring diverse themes. Recent poetry often engages with urban issues and anti-poetic sentiments, with several Colombian poets gaining international recognition for their work. The field also includes significant contributions to children's literature and historical scholarship.