an essential work by renowned Catalan folklorist Joan Amades, devoted to one of Catalonia’s most symbolic, magical and mysterious mountains. The book gathers 62 short stories filled with popular traditions, ancient legends, apparitions, enchantments, mischievous devils and a rich collection of traditional sayings linked to Montserrat. This edition is a facsimile reproduction of the original volume published in 1947, during the Franco dictatorship, and written in Catalan, giving it remarkable historical and cultural value. The stories are illustrated with beautiful hand-coloured engravings by Enric C. Ricart, enhancing the evocative and symbolic nature of the work.
Reissued to mark the celebration of the Millennium of Montserrat (1025–2025), the book includes an introductory text by Antoni Serés, curator of the Joan Amades archive, offering valuable insight into the origin and significance of the publication. An ideal read for those wishing to reconnect with childhood memories as well as for new generations eager to discover the mythical world of Montserrat and the richness of Catalan oral tradition.
MONTSERRAT. Traditions and Legends is a key work of Catalan cultural heritage, written by Joan Amades (1890–1959), one of the most influential figures in the study and dissemination of folklore in Catalonia. The book invites readers to explore the symbolic universe of Montserrat, a mountain steeped in spirituality, mystery and popular imagination.
The book brings together sixty-two short tales drawn from oral tradition and popular belief, passed down through generations. Readers will encounter stories that answer intriguing questions such as:
What is the cap de mort?
Where is the Devil’s Rock?
What happened to the Moor Musa?
Who were the children given to the monastery?
As well as the legendary tale of the Drummer of El Bruc, told from a folkloric perspective.
Together, these stories portray a Montserrat that is both sacred and magical, inhabited by apparitions, devils, spells, miracles and traditional sayings that form part of Catalonia’s collective memory.
This book is a faithful reproduction of the 1947 original edition, published in Catalan under the Franco regime, making it an important cultural and linguistic document. Long out of print, its reissue coincides with the Millennium of Montserrat (1025–2025).
Each story is accompanied by hand-coloured engravings by Enric C. Ricart, one of the great Catalan illustrators of the 20th century. His artwork adds a delicate, poetic and timeless visual dimension to the text.
The edition includes an introductory essay by Antoni Serés, curator of the Joan Amades collection, providing the keys to understanding the origins and relevance of the work. The book has been promoted by the Joan Amades Cultural Association to celebrate its 30th anniversary and to promote the legacy of the folklorist.
A book to read, treasure and pass on: essential for lovers of folklore, history and Catalan culture.
You can contact us through any of the following contact channels:
Please sign in first.
Sign in
Please sign in first.
Sign inCreate a free account to use wishlists.
Sign in
Leave a review