Bullfighting is an integral part of the culture of Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and a number of South American countries. It is also thriving in southern France. It is a drama of life and death, of bravery and artistry, which has a unique appeal to some while, admittedly, giving offense to others. Many Americans have been drawn to bullfighting after reading Ernest Hemingway or by a trip to one of the places where they might attend in person. For those wishing to pursue an interest, the problem becomes how to keep their interest alive in a country where bullfighting is not part of the culture. Back in 1964, a fellow in Massachusetts, Bob Archibald, conceived a solution which has prospered ever since. His idea was a mailing network of people whose appreciation of the bullfight was nurtured by a shared interest in the literature of bullfighting. Thus was born a club called, TBA (Taurine Bibliophiles of America). There are no regular meetings because the members are scattered across the U.S. and around the world. With a focus on taurine books in English, TBA includes among its members, famous authors, a retired matador, and others from every walk of life. Some are expert in their knowledge. Some have world class book collections. Others are just beginning their interest in the bullfight and collecting books about it. The only membership qualification is a shared interest in the subject.
TBA sustains itself by publishing a quarterly newsletter, EL CLARIN DE LA BUSCA, and twice yearly journals, LA BUSCA. The contents include reviews of books, new and old, essays and opinion pieces to share experiences or argue points of view about toreros, bulls, or the volving art of bullfighting. There is also an exchange service to buy, sell, or trade taurine books, and this works for members who are just beginning to collect and for those with extensive collections seeking a rare volume, or perhaps selling off a part of their library. TBA also maintains what is almost certainly, the most complete bibliography of bullfight books printed in English, over 1,300 titles. TBA is not engaged in any commercial activity. Dues are used for printing and mailing its publications and incidental correspondence with members. The buying, selling, or trading of books, other taurine art (such as posters, painting, sculpture, etc.) is strictly between private parties who connect through notices printed by TBA. TBA belongs to the National Association of Taurine Clubs, an affiliation of regional clubs of people interested in meeting to share their interest in the bullfight. Members of such clubs frequently join TBA for the special focus on the literature of bullfighting which is TBA's special venue.
To obtain more nformation about TBA, call or write to our Vice President who supports membership relations: Mr. Gil Arruda 59 Pearl Avenue North Providence, RI 02904 tel. (401) 353-6326. To join TBA, the annual dues are $25.00 for people with North American addresses and $30.00 for all others. Checks on U.S. banks should be made out to Don Conover who is the TBA Secretary/Treasurer. If checks are in foreign currency, please add 10% to cover the cost of exchange. Dues are based on the calendar year, so you will receive any previously published newsletter or journal for the current year when your dues are paid. Mail requests for membership and your dues payment to: Don Conover 2171 Twining Road Newtown, PA 18940.