Spanish is one of the widely used languages in the world, and the official language of international organizations. This article lists some of the world famous Spanish writers.
Spanish literature includes prose, novels, and poetry. Many countries were Spanish colonies. Thus, spanish literature very diverse due to historical and geographical heterogeneity. Below are a few famous writers of Spanish origin who have left their mark on the world through their works.
Miguel Hernandez (1910-1942).
Miguel Hernandez was a poet and playwright whose poems reflected beauty home country Spain. He was born into a peasant family and had no special education. However, he was an avid reader of classical poetry and prose written by Miguel de Cervantes, Góngora, Ruben Dario, and Rafael Alberti. To pursue a career in literature, he decided to go to Madrid in 1931. In 1933, at the age of 23, his first book of poetry, The Moon Connoisseur, was published. The language and style of his poems reflected the style of his favorite authors. In 1936, he published a series of poems entitled "The Unquenchable Ray." By this time he was recognized in literary circles.
Camilo José Cela (1916-2002).
Camilo José Cela was born on May 11, 1916, in Galicia, northwestern Spain. His mother was English by birth and his father was Spanish. He belonged to the upper middle class with aristocratic roots. Camilo was awarded Nobel Prize in the field of literature for his literary activity in 1989. Although he studied medicine, his main interest lay in literature. In 1942 he published his first literary work known as the "Pascual Duarte Family". This work brought him instant fame, and he devoted his time entirely to literature.
Arturo Perez Reverte (1951).
Arturo Pérez Reverte is one of the modern Spanish writers who has written many novels in English. Arturo began his career as a journalist and war correspondent in African countries for the Pueblo national newspaper. He also worked as a war correspondent for Spanish national television. Many of his novels have been filmed. Between 1996 and 1999, he wrote a famous series of novels based on fictional character Captain Alatriste. Some of his famous novels include The Fencing Teacher, The Communion of Seville, The Hussar and The Dumas Club.
And with Abel Allende (1942)
Although Isabel Allende was born in Lima, Peru, she was raised in Chile. She currently resides in California, after being forced to leave Chile in 1973. Allende is one of the most famous contemporary literary figures from Latin America. She is the niece of the late Chilean President Salvador Allende. As an author, she writes on sensitive issues such as social and political conditions in Chile. One of her books, The House of the Spirits, was made into a film. This book is a saga about three generations of the Trueba family. Her other works include: Love and Darkness, The Never-Ending Plan, Aphrodite, Paula and others.
Mario Vargas Llosa (1936).
Mario Vargas Llosa is one of the biggest modern writers of all times, who is the author of many articles, essays, plays and novels. He was born in Peru on March 28, 1936. Many of his works have been translated into various languages. He was awarded many literary prizes for your work. His notable works include: The City and the Dogs, The Green House and Conversation in the Cathedral.
All these famous Spanish writers have left their mark on the world. They proved that the power of words cannot be underestimated.
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Spanish literature originates in the 12th century, when it was born and finally took shape. Before that, the peoples who lived on the territory of modern Spain wrote and communicated exclusively in Latin. The entire history of this literature can be divided into four periods. These are the period of origin, the period of prosperity, the period of decline and imitation, and the period of rebirth.
"Song of My Sid"
One of the oldest surviving works of the Spaniards, entitled “The Song of My Cid,” dates back to the period of the birth of Spanish literature. In it, an unknown author glorifies a national hero named Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, who is known to many by his Arabic nickname Sid.
Presumably, it was written no later than 1200, but its entirety has not survived. Moreover, it is “The Song of My Sid” that is classic example literature of that period. In it you can find patriotic motives, the heroes are pious, faithful and devoted to their king.
Literary scholars have noted that the language of the work itself is very rough and as simple as possible, but it is imbued with the spirit of heroism and paints a vivid picture of life in the times of chivalry.
Spanish Literature of the Renaissance
During this period beneficial influence influence on the Spaniards Italian masters. In poetry, the leading role is occupied by Juan Boscan, who worked in the 16th century. He often turned to the traditions of Petrarch, enriching Spanish poetry with 10-syllable verse, sonnets and octaves. He often worked with ancient subjects. For example, in the poem "Hero and Leander".
Religious epics in literature can be studied through the works of John of the Cross. He authored treatises in prose entitled " dark night souls", "Living Flame of Love", "Ascent of Mount Carmel".
Very popular in literature Spanish Renaissance enjoys the pastoral novel. Prominent representatives of this trend are Gaspar Polo and Alonso Perez, who wrote a sequel to the popular pastoral novel by the Portuguese Montemayor “Diana Enamorada,” which for a long time remained in Spain a model of the classic pastoral novel.
For many, Renaissance literature in Spain is associated with the appearance of the picaresque novel. Its distinctive features are a realistic depiction of morals modern society, as well as human characters. The founder of this genre in Spain is considered to be Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, who wrote the story “Lazarillo from Tormes”.
A prominent representative of Spanish literature of this period is the playwright Lope de Vega, who was born in 1562. Before him, there were playwrights in Spain, but national Spanish drama did not yet exist. It was de Vega who managed to create classical Spanish theater and become a vivid exponent of the feelings and wishes of his people.
For about 40 years he wrote new plays, enjoying great popularity all this time. In addition, he was incredibly prolific, writing more than two thousand plays, about 20 volumes of lyric poems, as well as many poems. had a significant influence on the next generation of writers, not only Spanish, but also Italian and French playwrights. It is with his name that the flourishing of Spanish drama is associated.
In his plays, the author touches on all sorts of topics - foreign and national history, socio-political, love dramas and historical chronicles. The historical layer occupies a separate place in his works. The playwright's plays are structured in such a way that certain random events constantly interfere with the development of the plot, which bring the drama of the work to the point of tragedy. Romantic intrigue often helps to reveal the full power of the human instincts of the main characters; Lope de Vega demonstrates a variety of human characters, patterns of behavior in society and family, while not forgetting about religious and political ideas, which dominate among his contemporaries.
Perhaps his most famous work is the comedy in three acts "Dog in the Manger." It is one of the most famous books of the golden age of Spanish literature. He wrote it in 1618. At the center of the story is a young widow from Naples named Diana. Secretary Teodoro captures her heart. However, the situation is aggravated by the fact that Teodoro himself sympathizes with her maid Marcela, they are even planning a wedding.
Diana tries unsuccessfully to cope with her feelings. Then she writes a letter to her chosen one on behalf of a fictitious Roman friend, in which she confesses her feelings and asks the young man to evaluate this text and rewrite it in his own hand. The man guesses about her true reasons, realizing at the same time that there is a whole abyss between them. Marcela is exhausted from jealousy, and Diana locks her in her bedchamber for several days.
Teodoro himself is worried at this time hard times, the Countess plays with him, first giving him hope for further relations, and then pushing him away from you. As a result, Teodoro breaks up with Marcelo, in order to take revenge on him, the girl brings the servant Fabio closer to her.
Teodoro at some point breaks down, splashing out on the countess all the emotions that have accumulated in him during this time. The main thing he reproaches Diana for is that she behaves like a dog in the manger. Diana weighs young man slaps in the face, behind which lies the real passion she feels for the young man. This fascinating story still keeps the audience in suspense, the play is regularly performed on the stages of theaters all over the world.
Calderon
Spanish literature of the 17th century is associated with the name of Calderon for many. He was not only a poet, but also a successful warrior and priest. No less popular than Lope de Vega.
He demonstrated a high level of his skill in constructing a plot, as well as in various stage effects, which he actively used in his works.
Calderon, like Lope de Vega, wrote many plays - about 200, and was much more popular abroad than at home. Literary critics At that time they put him on a par with Shakespeare. Some of his plays are still performed in Spanish theaters.
His works can be divided into three types. These are dramas of honor, they are dominated by baroque issues - religion, love and honor. The key conflict is often associated with the need to comply with them, even at sacrifice human life. Although the action is transferred to the distant past, the author raises current problems of its time. These are dramas such as “The Alcalde of Salamey”, “The Painter of His Dishonor”, “The Steadfast Prince”.
IN philosophical dramas, which were very popular in Spanish literature of the 17th century, touch on fundamental questions of existence, human suffering, and free will. At the same time, the action is transferred to countries exotic for Spain, such as Russia or Ireland, to emphasize the local and historical flavor. Examples include the works "The Magician", "Life is a Dream", "Purgatory of St. Patrick". Spanish literature about Russia was of interest to many of Calderon's contemporaries at that time, which is why he was so popular.
And finally, Calderon's comedies of intrigue are built according to classical canons. They contain a fascinating, often love affair, initiated by women. You can often come across the now famous “Calderon move”, when the key role is played by objects that ended up in the heroes’ possession by chance, or letters that came to them by mistake.
Cervantes
The study of Spanish literature for beginning literary scholars should definitely begin with famous novel Miguel de Cervantes "Don Quixote". This is one of the most significant literary works in world history. The first part of this novel was published in 1605. Initially, the work was conceived as a parody of chivalric romances. As a result, it became so popular that it was translated into all European languages.
Cervantes talks ironically about his adventures cunning hidalgo, who is trying to live according to the old knightly orders, although the world around has fundamentally changed. Those around him make fun of him, but Don Quixote himself is not at all embarrassed by this, he, not paying attention to the opinions of others, leads. Only his servant Sancho Panzo, who endures all the eccentricities of his master, remains faithful and devoted to him.
Cervantes is also known as the author of numerous short stories that depict the absolute truth of life, imbued with a national graceful spirit. In his stories, he depicts the era as realistically as possible, striking the reader with rich and vivid language. This is a striking example of Spanish classical literature.
Baroque
In the history of Spanish literature there was a period of decline and imitation. It coincides with the Spanish Baroque era, which began at the end of the 16th century. It was then that the school of Gongrism arose, named after its main and most prominent representative, Luis Gongora.
The early works of this author are songs and romances written in folk spirit. In more late period In his work, he was distinguished by an intricate, pompous and sometimes artificial style, which was filled with a large number of metaphors and strange turns of phrase. Often his works were of such complex form that not every reader could understand them. The main topic there was an idea of the fragility and impermanence of human existence in this world. These are the features characteristic of Spanish Baroque.
He had many students and imitators, among whom we can note Villameda, who, like the others, set himself the main goal of imitating his teacher’s style as much as possible.
19th century literature
In the 19th century, Spanish literature flourished. At this time, the dominant pseudo-classicism was replaced by romanticism. One of the most prominent representatives of this era is José Mariano de Larra, who worked under the pseudonym Figaro. He had an incredibly bright satirical talent, which was combined with natural ingenuity and an inquisitive mind. He depicts the ills and vices that reign in society, creating meaningful, but at the same time very short essays.
If we talk about more serious dramatic Spanish literature of the 19th century, then it is necessary to mention Manuel Tamayo y Baus, who actually introduced a new genre - Spanish psychological and realistic drama, based on the best German examples. True, his works were practically never translated into Russian, so it is not easy for the domestic reader to appreciate his talent.
Among the representatives of realism, the prose writer Juan Valera stands out. A graduate of the Faculty of Law of the University of Granada, he held high positions in the diplomatic service, traveling halfway around the world for his work. He finally returned to Spain after the revolution of 1868, holding a number of government positions including the Minister of Education.
Valera made his debut in Spanish literature with a collection of heartfelt lyrical poems, then wrote speeches and critical articles, which depicted the current situation of national literature. A noticeable phenomenon in his creative biography becomes the novel “Pepita Jimenez”, after which he writes the works that left their mark “Juanita the Long”, “Illusions of Doctor Faustino”. During his travels around the world, Valera visited Russia; he left detailed notes about his trip.
If we talk about fiction writers in Spanish literature of this period, then the obvious primacy is that of Benito Perez Galdos, whose novels were distinguished by a fresh look at ordinary things, realistic and unusually lively pictures that illustrated modern Spanish life.
XX century
Spanish literature of the 20th century plays a large role in public life. At the very beginning of the century, it was based on representatives of the “Generation of ’98”. This is what a group of Spanish writers call themselves who are experiencing acute crisis due to the final collapse of the empire in 1898. Most of them were between 35 and 45 years old by the beginning of the 20th century.
One of largest representatives This direction is considered to be Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. This is a famous social novelist who in his work embodied the ideas of democratic criticism of the surrounding reality.
His novels received the greatest popularity. In Spanish fiction The work “Cursed Farm” occupies a special place. The events take place in a small village near Valencia. At the center of the story is a landowner who makes money through usury, as well as his tenants.
The novel "In the Orange Gardens" shows the relationship between the young politician and lawyer Raphael Brull and the popular singer Leonora. Ibáñez, as he often does in his works, describes several generations of one family and tells how its members climbed the career and status ladder. His characters live in a religious and very conservative family, which is opposed by the doctor and intellectual Dr. Moreno, who is a Republican by his convictions.
Another famous book by Ibáñez, Reed and Mud, is a vivid story about three generations of fishermen who live and work on the shores of the small lake Albufera. It was its author who himself considered his best work. It depicts Grandfather Paloma, the oldest fisherman in the entire village, who ensures that professional traditions are observed and protects the honor of the family in every possible way. His son Tono is a decent and hardworking man who leaves his father's profession in order to start cultivating the land and making money from it. But now his son named Thonet is a slacker who is not capable of any work, and spends most of his time on parties and in entertainment venues.
The work of the poet Federico García Lorca became a true classic of Spanish literature in the 20th century. He has been called a key figure in the "Generation of '27", which included Spanish writers and poets who considered themselves followers of the Spanish Baroque poet Luis de Góngora. In 1927 it was exactly 300 years since his death.
As a child, Lorca was a poor student, but in the 1910s he began to express himself in local artistic communities. In 1918, he published his first collection of poetry entitled “Impressions and Landscapes,” which immediately made him famous, although it did not bring in a lot of money.
In 1919, Lorca in Madrid met the most significant artists of his time - the director and artist Salvador Dali. During the same period, he began to write his first dramatic works.
As a result, he becomes a prominent figure among avant-garde artists, releasing poetry collections “Gypsy Romancero”, in which he tries to mix the mythology of the Gypsies with the everyday life around him.
Lorca left for America for about a year, and when he returned, he found the Second Spanish Republic emerging. His work is called by many a real breakthrough in Spanish literature. The poet and playwright works a lot in the theater, creating his famous plays “The House of Bernarda Alba”, “Bloody Weddings” and “Yerma”.
Starts in Spain Civil war in 1936. Lorca has sympathies for the left, so he is forced to leave the capital for Granada. But even there danger overtakes him. The poet is arrested and, according to the main version, shot the very next day. After his murder, General Franco, who came to power, prohibits all of his work. Adapted literature from Spanish in Russia for a long time it was studied based on the works of Lorca.
Another bright representative of 20th century literature is the writer and philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. His popularity came in 1914, when he released his first work entitled “Reflections on Don Quixote.” In his philosophical lectures, he adhered to the position of the young intellectuals of his time; some researchers believe that it was his work that played a special role in the fall of the monarchy.
Among his most famous works, it should be noted such as “The Theme of Our Time”, “Dehumanization of Art”. Formulating his key philosophical ideas, he insists that a person cannot consider himself in isolation from historical circumstances and the people around him.
His popularity outside Spain came with the publication of his work “The Revolt of the Masses,” in which he declares that the only existing reality is human being-with-things. Ortega was convinced that with his conclusions he anticipated many of the ideas of Martin Heidegger, which were outlined in 1927 in his work “Being and Time.”
Ortega played a major role in the formation of the Spanish school of philosophy, studying teaching activities. For example, the basis of the book “What is Philosophy” was his lectures given in 1929 at the University of Madrid.
In modern Spanish literature, the loudest and most famous name is Arturo Perez-Reverte. This is our contemporary, who is 66 years old. Since the early 1970s, he has worked as a war correspondent, covering conflicts in hot spots around the world.
He dedicated his first novel, entitled “Hussar,” to the times Napoleonic Wars. Real success came to him in 1990, when the novel “The Flemish Board” was published. This is a fascinating mixture of an action-packed detective story and an exciting book. The main characters, during the restoration of a 15th-century painting, discover an inscription hidden from prying eyes. The painting depicts a chess position, analyzing the arrangement of the pieces on it, the characters are trying to solve a mysterious murder that was committed in the 15th century.
In 1994, the novel was filmed by Jim McBride.
In 1993, Perez-Reverte wrote another of his famous work- this is the novel "The Dumas Club, or the Shadow of Richelieu." The events there are no less exciting. The action takes place in the world of books. All the heroes are second-hand book dealers, bibliophiles, bookbinders, or simply passionate lovers and fans of books. Among them are those who prefer “cloak and sword” novels, and those who love detective stories or works on demonology.
One of them is bibliophile Varo Borja, who hires a specialist to compare three known copies of a unique publication called “The Book of the Nine Gates to the Kingdom of Shadows,” which was published in 1666 by the little-known printer Aristide Torchia. Torque was later accused of heresy by the Holy Inquisition and then burned at the stake. The book's circulation was almost completely destroyed; only a few copies have survived to this day.
Borja admits that he has studied the printer's interrogations, from which it follows that there is another copy of this book, hidden in a secret place. This fact haunts the main character. He wants to find out at all costs which of the three copies is real.
This task, which seems simple at first glance, turns into major troubles for the researcher. Someone is pursuing him, killing everyone he meets or crosses paths with in any way. At the end of the work, most of the mysteries receive a very unexpected explanation. It is only the main mystery that cannot be explained rationally. The only conclusion that suggests itself to the reader, based on the hints and indirect evidence scattered by the author throughout the novel, is incredible and fantastic.
This novel was also filmed. The director was the legendary Roman Polanski, and the main roles were played by Johnny Depp, Lena Olin and Emmanuel Seigner.
There is also a whole series of works that glorified Perez-Reverte. These are historical adventure novels from the series "The Adventures of Captain Alatriste". In 1996, the series opened with the work "Captain Alatriste", followed by the release of "Pure Blood", "Spanish Fury", "The King's Gold", "The Cavalier in the Yellow Jacket", "Corsairs of the Levant", "Bridge of Assassins".
Book lovers will remember B. Perez Galdos and representatives of the “generation of 1898” M. de Unamuno and R. M. del Valle Inclan, who worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. These authors created the basis for the development of Spanish literature throughout the last century.
Their influence is also noticeable in modern Spanish literature. Under modern literature refers to the period from the early 1970s. It was at this time that processes began that shaped the main trends in the development of modern Spanish prose.
Features of the literary process of post-Franco Spain
Although Spanish literature is not very widely known, Spain has always stood out for its passion for reading and its love of books. This is evidenced by the fact that in Spain books were published frequently and in large editions; for example, in the 1960s, Spain ranked 6th in the world in terms of the number of books published.
Another prominent author who emerged in post-Franco Spain was Manuel Rivas, whose work addresses the theme of the “Spanish village”. However, it would be wrong to draw parallels with Russia and call Rivas the “Spanish Rasputin”; there is a lot of fantastic and mysterious stuff in his books, which brings him closer to the Colombian G. García Márquez than to the Soviet “villagers”.
Fashionable Spanish writers of our time: Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Arturo Perez-Reverte
Elements of magic and mysticism and semi-fantastic plots are characteristic of many modern Spanish authors. Here we can talk about the influence of tradition " magical realism"in the Spanish-language literature of fellow Latin American writers.
The works of Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Arturo Perez-Reverte show trends in mixing realism, fantasy and mysticism, detective and historical novel. The authors gained wide popularity outside the Pyrenees, including in Russia. We can say that they are the most fashionable Spanish writers of our time.
Having successfully grasped the demands of the modern reader and market conditions, both writers were able to preserve the traditions of classical Spanish literature, creating deep and exciting works. Literary critics find common features in the works of A. Perez-Reverte and the classic of Spanish literature B. Perez Galdos. And C. Ruiz Zafon received comparisons with G. García Márquez and was even called the “Spanish Bulgakov” for the echo of the motives of his novel “The Game of an Angel” with storylines"The Master and Margarita".
List of the best bestsellers by contemporary Spanish writers.
From the series: “Everyone should know this.”
Advice: Be sure to learn names and book titles in Spanish! And try to read at least one of them. At least in Russian.
Examples of Spanish classical literature are known all over the world: who doesn’t know “Don Quixote” by Cervantes, the comedies of Lope de Vega or the unique poems of Lorca.
What do we know about modern Spanish writers?
Not many can boast of knowledge of modern Spanish literature, although among the masters of the pen there are those whose talent is highly appreciated by readers and critics both in Spain itself and in other countries.
We offer an overview of the works of five of the best contemporary Spanish writers, whose works have become worldwide bestsellers.
1. " Amazing trip Pomponia Flata" by Eduardo Mendoza
According to critics, Eduardo Mendoza is one of the best modern Spanish writers. His novels have won Spanish and international literary awards, and films have been made based on them.
The writer's debut occurred in 1975, when the novel “The Truth about the Savolta Affair” was published, which revolutionized Spanish literature.
And somewhat parodic and even satirical novel Mendoza's The Amazing Voyage of Pomponius Flatus is dedicated to the Roman philosopher and naturalist.
While searching for a certain mythical river with miraculous properties main character meets Jesus.
The plot of the book intertwines stories from the Bible, information from ancient authors and philosophical reflections.
2. “Pandora in the Congo” by Alberto Sanchez Piñol
A native of Catalonia, Alberto Sánchez Piñol is an anthropologist by training. What made him famous was his first novel, “In the Heady Silence,” which was translated into 22 languages around the world.
And in 2005, his novel “Pandora in the Congo” was published in Catalan.
Both of these works are parts of a trilogy telling about the eaters human personality fears.
The novel with a touch of mysticism “Pandora in the Congo” is about the expedition of two English aristocrats to African jungle for diamonds and gold, where various troubles happen to them.
Moreover, they discover an unknown tribe there. The work ends quite unexpectedly and even ironically.
3. “Sweater” by Blanca Busquets
(“El jersey”. Blanca busquets)
Catalan Blanca Busquets developed a passion for literature at the age of 12, when she wrote her first story. And at the age of 17, a native of Barcelona was awarded the first award in the field of literature.
Busquets' novel "Sweater" tells the story of an 85-year-old woman who has lost her voice as a result of a stroke and is forced to listen to the complaints of all her relatives, although she cannot answer them at all.
This is how the heroine of the novel Dolores becomes the keeper of other people's secrets. They treat it like a piece of furniture and are not shy. As a result, she is shocked by what is hidden in the depths of the family. And all this time she is knitting a sweater for her beloved granddaughter.
Dorores is shocked. And then he understands that these problems are insignificant, and there is only Love and Death. And such a love story is in the book.
The book has been translated into Russian and can be read for free on the Internet. And it's worth it, read the reviews!
4. “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
(“sombra del viento” Carlos Ruiz Zafó)
Today, Carlos Ruiz Zafon is one of the most popular and widely read modern writers not only in Spain, but also in the world.
Saphon’s debut took place in 1993 with the novel “Prince of the Fog,” which won several literary awards.
In 2001, the novel “Shadow of the Wind” was published, written in the tradition of medieval novels. This work was awarded 15 prestigious awards and was a bestseller in Europe for a long time, selling 5 million copies.
The novel tells the story of a 10-year-old boy who comes across a mystical book that changes his life. A real mystical adventure that can be read in one sitting.
The action of the work takes place over 20 years, when love and hatred, mysticism and detective investigations are closely intertwined in the life of the main character.
The book has been translated into Russian and can be read for free on the Internet.
5. “The Crocodile Under the Bed” by Mariasun Landa
(“Crocodile bajo de cama”, Mariasun Landa)
A wonderful children's book, serious and funny.
A native of the Basque Country, Mirasun Landa graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature and today successfully combines teaching at the Master's School of the University of the Basque Country with creative activity.
In 1991, she won the Basque Prize (an award for literature for children and teenagers), and her book, The Crocodile Under the Bed, written in Basque, was awarded the National Prize in 2003.
The book has been translated into Russian and can be read for free on the Internet.
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