Félix Martí Ibáñez
Félix Martí Ibáñez (Cartagena, 1911–New York, 1972). Contributor to the Spanish anarchist press and general director of Public Health and Social Services in Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War. Arrived in New York in 1939. España Libre essayist and short story writer. Although readers were exposed to warlike rhetoric and traditional perspectives on gender, España Libre’s literature also foreshadowed a more intersectional world. Aware of the pernicious effect of master narratives, Martí Ibáñez inspired readers with his vision of a society finally freeing itself of fascism through individual introspection and interpersonal engagement. Martí Ibáñez’s short stories had a significant role in transforming anarchist literature from the revolutionary Spanish context to the fight against fascism in exile. His narratives foregrounded affective engagement with others as means of a lifestyle of resistance.
He was a Professor of medical humanities at New York University, founder and editor of MD magazines, and author of numerous collecitons of essays: Men, Molds, and History (1958), Medicine in the Spain of Don Quijote (1958), Centaur: Essays on the History of Medical Ideas (1958), Surco; ensayos sobre literatura, historia de la medicina, arte y psicología (1960), Ariel: Essays on the Arts and the History and Philosophy of Medicine (1962), The Crystal Arrow: Essays on Literature, Travel, Art, Love, and the History of Medicine (1964)—translated as La flecha de cristal; ensayos sobre literatura, viajes, arte, amor y la historia de la medicina (1970), The Ship in the Bottle, and Other Essays (1964), Tales of Philosophy (1967)—translated into Spanish as El barco en la botella y otros ensayos (1972); Journey Around Myself, Impressions and Tales of Travels Around the World: Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Bangkok, Angkor, Lebanon (1966)—translated into Spanish as Viaje alrededor de mi mismo (1967), The Adventure of Art (1970), and The Mirror of Souls, and Other Essays (1972).
His anthologies of short stories are Waltz, and Other Stories (1952)—translated as De noche brilla el sol (1966), and Los buscadores de sueños. Trece cuentos de maravilla y prodigio (1953)—translated as All the Wonders We Seek; Thirteen Tales of Surprise and Prodigy (1963).
The international success of Martí Ibáñez’s MD magazines constituted a public affront to Francoist diplomacy. At the time, Franco tried to enhance Spain’s status in Latin America by establishing contacts with professional elites.
