Though South America has a strong, internationally recognized tradition of poetry, many of its best poets remain untranslated in the United States. Elias Nandino (1900-1993) was a Mexican poet who made his living as a surgeon and physician. He published twenty volumes of poetry in his lifetime, work often focused on solitude, eroticism, and love.

In recognition of his dedication to teaching and assisting young writers, the National Young Poets Prize in Mexico is named in his honor. This is the first comprehensive English translation of Nandino's poetry.