Cordel Literature Collection

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0649

Scope and Content

The University of Florida collection of Literatura de Cordel includes over 300 items dating from 1934 to 2016 with works by noted authors José Francisco Borges, José Severino Cristovão Jose Costa Leite, José Pacheco, Manoel Pereira Sobrinho, and Marcelo Soares. A significant collection related to Padre Cicero was donated by Ralph della Cava (link to archival collection when available). Other donors include former UF faculty members Charles Wagley, and Alfred Hower.

Dates

Creation: 1930 - 2018

Access

The collection is open for research.

Biographical/Historical Note

Literatura de Cordel (literature on a string) is a literary form originating in Northeast Brazil. The name comes from how the books are displayed for sale, hung by string, in open air markets. Traditionally hand-printed with woodcut illustrations on the cover, these chapbooks/pamphlets are written in verse and highlight traditional stories, public opinions, and major historical events. With migration due to constant droughts and industrialization, Cordel literature production moved southeast to larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This movement produced new themes and an urban audience.

Extent

2.9 Linear Feet (5 Boxes)

Language of Materials

Portuguese

Additional Description

Abstract

A collection of "cordel literature", popular and inexpensively printed booklets or pamphlets containing folk novels, poems and songs, produced and sold in street markets and by street vendors in Brazil, mainly in the Northeast.