Roberto Benjamin Collection of Cordel Literature

Collection

Identifier: 2015-063

Scope and Contents Note

This collection consists of around 4000 chapbooks, or cordéis, amassed by scholar Roberto Benjamin in the 1970s-2000s. The collection documents Brazilian political and social life in the era, particularly in the Northeast. The Roberto Benjamin collection of Cordel Literature was acquired from Benjamin's former assistant after his passing.

Dates

Creation: circa 1930-2009

Creator

Benjamin, Roberto (Person)

Access Restrictions

This collection is largely unprocessed. The Benson has an unverified inventory provided by Benjamin's former assistant and a partial inventory produced in 2023.

Use Restrictions

Standard copyright restrictions apply.

Historical Note

Literatura de cordel, or "string literature" are popular and inexpensively produced chapbooks of poetry, songs, or folk narratives that are sold in fairs and by street vendors in the Northeast of Brazil.

Full Extent

7.5 linear feet

Language of Materials

Portuguese

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of around 4000 cordeis and a significant number of woodblock prints and related materials collected by Roberto Emerson Câmara Benjamin.

Arrangement of the Collection

This collection is organized into two series: Series 1: Chapbooks Series 2 Woodblock Prints

The chapbooks in Series I are organized by author surname or final listed name (6.5 linear feet). Series II consists of woodblock prints and other materials.