From the humble beginnings of a young man who knew the struggles of economic precarity, leaving his native A Coruña for the distant shores of Buenos Aires and then Bordeaux, a profound vision began to take root. Ánxel Casal, driven by an unwavering commitment to his homeland, returned to Galicia, carrying with him not just the experiences of a laborer but the burgeoning dream of a cultural architect. His early years were marked by a fervent engagement with the Irmandades da Fala, where he championed the Galician language, even establishing one of the first schools to teach in it, laying foundational stones for a cultural awakening.
The year 1920 saw him marry María Miramontes, a partnership that would extend beyond the personal into the professional. Together, they navigated the challenges of establishing a small textile shop, yet Casal's true calling lay in the printed word. In 1924, a pivotal moment arrived with the founding of Editorial Lar, in collaboration with Leandro Carré Alvarellos. This endeavor marked the true genesis of Galician novel writing, producing a successful collection of short monthly novels that quickly gained traction, demonstrating a hunger for literature in the native tongue.
The success of Lar paved the way for an even more ambitious undertaking. By 1927, Casal had established Editorial Nós, an independent publishing house that would become synonymous with the flourishing of modern Galician culture. From its presses emerged vital publications such as the newspaper "A Nosa Terra" and the influential "Revista Nós," which served as a crucible for Galician thought, literature, and art. Casal's dedication extended beyond mere printing; he meticulously crafted editions that stood aesthetically alongside the finest European publications of the era, ensuring that Galician works were not only accessible but also beautifully presented.
His tireless work provided Galicia with a stable and sophisticated publishing infrastructure, a critical bedrock for a culture striving to assert its identity through its own language. He brought to print the essential works of the Irmandades da Fala, the Nós Generation, and the Seminario de Estudos Galegos, integrating the innovative designs and illustrations of the Galician art renewal movement into his publications. It was a period of intense intellectual and artistic ferment, and Casal stood at its very heart, a central figure in shaping the public discourse of Galician nationalism and literature.
Beyond the world of books, Casal was a deeply committed political activist. A militant of the Partido Galeguista since its inception, his dedication to Galicia's self-determination was unwavering. His political engagement culminated in his election as mayor of Santiago de Compostela in February 1936, a testament to his standing within the community and his broader vision for a self-governing Galicia. As mayor, he continued to champion republican, Galician, and syndicalist initiatives, even promoting the formation of the Association of Writers of Galicia.
He became a driving force behind the Statute of Autonomy of Galicia, actively coordinating propaganda and infrastructure for the referendum campaign, pouring his energy into the realization of a long-held dream for his country. However, the promise of autonomy and the vibrant cultural scene he had so meticulously helped to build were tragically cut short. The military coup of July 1936 plunged Spain into civil war and brought a brutal end to Ánxel Casal's life and work.
He was arrested after the uprising, his escape to Vilantime proving to be only a temporary reprieve. In August 1936, Ánxel Casal, the editor who had given a voice to a nation, the politician who fought for its future, was executed. His legacy, however, endured, a testament to his profound contribution to Galician culture, a framework of books and ideas that continued to nourish the spirit of a country even in its darkest hours.
