Livraria Lello launches collection of three anthologies

Livraria Lello is launching an exclusive collection of anthologies, consisting of three volumes: Anthology of Portuguese Poems, Anthology of Portuguese Short Stories and Anthology of Portuguese Legends. The collection celebrates ‘the most timeless aspects of Portuguese literature’ and offers a literary journey through centuries of tradition, covering fiction, oral tradition and poetry.

"We want to continue to inspire new generations, but also visitors from all corners of the world, to discover the pleasure of reading, ensuring that the great stories of Portuguese literature continue to be read, appreciated and collected."

- Aurora Pedro Pinto, administrator of Livraria Lello.

This launch is part of the bookshop's mission to inspire the whole world to read and reinforces its role as a curator and cultural ambassador.

"We believe that getting the whole world to read begins with making Portugal known. In its language, in its memory and in its imagination. This collection carries with it what is most ours: the word. Whether it is Camões' epic journey, Pessoa's restlessness, or the anonymous voice of the legends that shaped generations, we offer to read what unites and distinguishes us, with the same rigour with which we welcome those who visit us. We export literature as those who share identity: with beauty, depth and hospitality."

- Francisca Pedro Pinto, Brand Director at Livraria Lello.

Three books, three anthologies

The ‘Anthology of Portuguese Poems’ consists of 80 poems by 46 authors, from D. Dinis to Fernando Pessoa, including Florbela Espanca, Cesário Verde and Almeida Garrett, covering eight centuries of poetic creation.

The Anthology of Portuguese Short Stories comprises eleven short stories by authors such as Camilo Castelo Branco, Júlio Dinis, Ana de Castro Osório and Ramalho Ortigão, revealing the irony, affection and soul of the country.

The ‘Anthology of Portuguese Legends’ includes 70 stories collected by Alexandre Parafita from all regions of the country, where the real and the imagined intertwine to preserve the Portuguese oral tradition.

Careful design

With artistic direction by Atelier d'Alves, a Porto-based studio led by Sérgio Alves, the collection is inspired by the graphic aesthetics of the 1970s, especially in the world of record publishing. ‘The vibrant colours and expressive typography create a bold visual language, in tune with the spirit of the collection: books to be read, given as gifts and kept — as literary and artistic objects,’ says the publisher.

"Like a good vinyl record, this collection is made to be enjoyed, reread and relived," concludes Aurora Pedro Pinto.