Published posthumously in Havana, the Obra Poetica de Emilio Ballagas was out of print for fifty-seven years. It is the most comprehensive collection of the works of one of CubaÕs Ðand Latin AmericaÕsÐ greatest poets, including scattered verse not published in book form during the authorÕs life. Since then, only a few spurious collections of BallagasÕ poetry have been published both in the island and abroad. This edition is not only true to the original Obra Poetica but the only one authorized by the late poetÕs estate. The back cover features a never before published photo of Ballagas in Paris, during the 30s. The preface and selection are the work of the poetÕs son, Manuel Ballagas.