Cristóbal Serra (Palma, 1922-2012) left an indelible mark on several generations of writers and readers who approached his work in small numbers but with enthusiasm. The Mediterranean nature, the synthesis between the Christian and Taoist traditions, or the eccentric re-reading of some of the avant-garde movements are the main features of his thought and his aesthetics, always in opposition to the predominant idea of civilisation understood only as economic or material progress.

The present volume gathers a collection of short essays on works and authors that had a special influence on him. El aire de los libros is accompanied by a selection of diverse texts that contribute to a better understanding of Serra's concerns. Serra was an author who approached Ramon Llull from unusual positions, he translated William Blake, he practised Dadaist and anti-secular humour, and he firmly believed that the world could be understood through poetry. His acceptance speech for the doctorate honoris causa awarded by the University of the Balearic Islands, included in this volume, completed his literary production with excellence.

Josep Maria Nadal Suau (Palma, 1980) is a teacher and literary critic. He holds a PhD in Contemporary Literature with the thesis Guardarse de la razón: ideas religiosas, filosóficas y estéticas en la obra de Cristóbal Serra. He has collaborated in many media, particularly in El Cultural, where he has specialised in contemporary Spanish and Latin American narrative. He is the author of the books Parapetos and Temporada alta.