On a theoretical ranking of Catalan-language best-sellers, Manuel de Pedrolo’s Mecanoscrit del segon origen [translated into English as Typescript of the Second Origin] would be one of the most popular titles, and the most unusual. How and why the apocalyptic adventure of Alba and Dídac, a rara avis of science fiction in 1974 Catalonia, has won over so many readers, and not just those in the YA demographic, for five decades now will be among the questions our guests will address in this discussion celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the book, and complemented by an interactive laboratory that will be open for the five days of the 42 Festival. The three exceptional experts linked to the Association of Catalan-Language Writers tasked with delving into the secrets of this work and its evolution will be the curator of the Pedrolo Commemorative Year, Anna M. Villalonga; renowned scholar of fantastic genres Antoni Munné-Jordà; and Andorran author Albert Villaró, who this year published the fittingly titled novel Tercer origen [Third Origin], celebrating and updating Pedrolo’s classic. Alongside moderator Edgar Cotes, who has studied the book in depth, they will shed light on what is perhaps the most successful work of Catalan-language fiction of all time.

Guests:

Antoni Munné-Jordà

Albert Villaró

Anna Maria Villalonga

Moderator:

Edgar Cotes