The first edition of this work appeared in 1933 as part of the collection of Vidas españolas e hispano-americanas del siglo XIX (Madrid: Espasa-Calpe, S.A., 1933; reviewed in HAHR, XV, 241-242). While it was in preparation many of Martí’s associates were still in the flesh. Dr. Mañach, one of Cuba’s ablest literary critics, made the most of this opportunity to gather material for a biography of the Cuban liberator. His Martí, el apóstol has continued to be the best known, and in many ways the best study of the organizer of Cuba’s last struggle for independence. A number of editions have since been published, including an English translation by Coley Taylor (New York, Devin-Adair, 1950), but no significant modifications were made in the content. In the meantime published manuscript material on Martí has multiplied, including the two volume collection of Obras completas on “papel de Biblia” (Havana: Editorial Lex, 1946), and the exhaustive 74 volume Obras completas under the direction of Dr. Emeterio S. Santovenia (Havana: Editorial Trópico, 1945). With this new material in hand Dr. Mañach has prepared what will remain his definitive edition. Here the reader will find revision, correction, and some modifications of interpretation as well as the amplification of some passages, but the changes are fewer and of less import than might have been expected in view of the zeal with which Martí enthusiasts have sought out and published almost every known item about the man whose memory has become a cult. The plan of the biography remains the same, even to almost identical chapter titles, and it closes with the same scene—the Spanish commander in Santiago de Cuba pronouncing a funeral oration over the grave of the fallen enemy. There is a tone of finality in the words of Colonel Ximénez de Sandoval:
Señores: Cuando pelean hombres de hidalga condición, como nosotros, desaparecen odios y rencores. Nadie que se sienta inspirado de nobles sentimientos debe ver en estos yertos despojos un enemigo a. . . Los militares españoles luchan hasta morir; pero tienen consideración para el vencido y honores para los muertos . . ..
Martí the organizer of the revolution was dead, but Martí, “El Apóstol” was destined to be a motivating factor in the history of the Cuban Republic of far more importance than either he or his associates could have dreamed. Numerous efforts have been made in recent years to assess this influence and the influence of the “Martí Cult,” but thus far with only partial success. A welcome addition to Martí bibliography would be a study of this kind by Mañach or someone of his penetrating insight.
Absent from all editions of Martí, el apóstol are such usual adjuncts to scholarly works as footnote references and a bibliography, but the general reader will not miss them in the sheer pleasure of devouring a brilliantly written work. For the investigator there are adequate guides to the mass of Martí material in Fermín Peraza’s Bibliografía martiana, 1853-1953 (Havana: Comisión Nacional Organizadora de las Actas y Ediciones del Centenario y Monumento de Martí, 1954; reviewed in HAHR, XXXV, 150). Scholars as well as general readers will want to turn to Mañach’s biography for a portrait of the living Martí.