Jean-Paul Sartre
Author of the day

Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, writer, playwright, and literary critic, a central figure of atheistic existentialism. His vast and multifaceted work explores human freedom, individual responsibility, bad faith, and social commitment. Sartre rejected the Nobel Prize in Literature, advocating for a stance of refusal of bourgeois institutions. His thought profoundly influenced 20th-century philosophy, literature, and political debate, marking a generation with his emphasis on autonomy a…

Poem of the day

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night, 
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 
Because their words had forked no lightning they 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright 
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, 
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight 
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

And you, my father, there on that sad height, 
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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Born on this day

9
Raul Pompéia

Raul Pompéia was a Brazilian writer, journalist, and professor, a prominent figure of Realism/Naturalism in Brazil. His most famous work, "O Ateneu", is a scathing and innovative portrait of the school environment, addressing themes such as social hypocrisy, the corruption of morals, and the formation of the individual in an oppressive environment. His writing is marked by a vigorous, ironic style and profound psychological analysis. Besides "O Ateneu", Pompéia produced chronicles, short stories, and poetry, demonstrating versatility. His work as a journalist and social critic was equally important, reflecting his engagement with the debates of his time. The life and work of Raul Pompéia, although marked by a relatively short career, left a significant legacy in Brazilian literature for their originality and trenchant social criticism.

José Albano

José Albano was a Portuguese poet whose work is part of the Modernist movement, exploring themes such as the human condition, the ephemerality of time, and the search for meaning. His writing is characterized by careful language and profound reflection on existence.

Luis Felipe Angell

Luis Felipe Angell, better known by the pseudonym "Hugo" or "El Loco", was a Peruvian writer, journalist, and caricaturist. He is considered one of the greatest exponents of costumbrista journalism and graphic humor in Peru. His work is marked by sharp observation of society, an irreverent style, and strong social criticism, expressed through iconic characters and everyday situations.

José Ovejero

José Ovejero is a Spanish writer and journalist, known for his incisive prose and for addressing themes such as memory, identity, and contemporary society in his works. His literary career is marked by direct and reflective writing, which explores the complexities of human relationships and existential dilemmas. Ovejero has a diverse body of work that includes novels and essays, consolidating him as a keen observer of the current world.

Ignacio Elguero

Ignacio Elguero is a Spanish writer, whose works fall within the field of contemporary fiction. He is dedicated to creating narratives that explore the complexities of the human experience and social interactions. With engaging prose and well-constructed characters, Elguero addresses themes such as identity, interpersonal relationships, and moral dilemmas in his texts. His writing seeks to capture the authenticity of emotions and the reality of the contexts in which his stories unfold.

Susana Villalba

Susana Villalba is an Argentine writer whose works explore the complexities of the human condition, with a keen eye on social relationships and existential dilemmas. Her prose, often engaging and introspective, invites the reader to delve into narratives that address themes such as memory, identity, and the challenges of contemporary life.

Eric McHenry

Eric McHenry is an American poet known for his lyrical and imaginative poetry, which frequently explores nature, memory, and the search for connection in a rapidly changing world. His work is marked by precise language and a keen sensitivity to the details of the natural world and human experiences. With a contemplative and accessible voice, McHenry weaves into his poems observations about everyday life, the passage of time, and the ephemeral beauty that surrounds us. His poetry invites reflection on the place of human beings in the universe, seeking harmony and meaning in the interconnections between the internal and the external.

José Gautier Benítez

José Gautier Benítez was a Puerto Rican poet, a prominent figure of Romanticism on the island. His work, marked by a deep love for his homeland, is characterized by the exaltation of Caribbean nature and patriotic sentiment. He is recognized for his passionate lyricism and his commitment to Puerto Rican identity, being one of the precursors of the national poetry of Puerto Rico.

Inca Garcilaso de la Vega

El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was a Peruvian chronicler and historian, recognized as the first mestizo writer to achieve literary fame in Europe. His masterpiece, 'Comentarios Reales de los Incas' (Royal Commentaries of the Incas), is a valuable chronicle of the history, culture, and civilization of the Inca Empire, written from a unique perspective that fuses indigenous heritage and European education. He is a crucial figure for understanding the identity and history of Peru and Latin America.

Died on this day

10
Mercedes Blasco

Mercedes Blasco was a notable figure in poetry, whose works explore deep reflections on the human condition. Her writing is characterized by sensitivity and the ability to evoke complex emotions through rich and imagistic language. Her poems often address universal themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning, resonating with readers for their authenticity and lyrical depth.

Arnold Wesker

Arnold Wesker was an influential British playwright, known for his plays that explore the lives of the working class and the social and political issues of his time. He founded the theatre company Centre 42, with the aim of bringing art to a wider audience.

Jacques Bossuet

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a sacred orator, theologian, and French writer, considered one of the greatest masters of rhetoric in the Catholic Church. Born in Dijon, he distinguished himself as a preacher at the court of Louis XIV, where he developed his eloquence and erudition. His work includes sermons, funeral orations, and theological treatises, noted for their grand style and defense of absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings.

Pietro Metastasio

Pietro Metastasio (1698-1782) was an Italian poet and librettist, widely regarded as one of the greatest opera composers of his time. Born in Rome, his poetic skill made him famous throughout Europe. Metastasio wrote the librettos for many of the most popular operas of the 18th century, setting a standard for dramatic and lyrical form. His texts were known for their emotional depth, clarity, and elegance, influencing generations of composers and writers.

António Lopes dos Santos Valente

António Lopes dos Santos Valente was a Portuguese poet whose work is part of the Neorealism context. With poetry marked by social intervention and denunciation of injustices, he explored themes such as the human condition, the struggle for freedom, and hope for a better future. His lyricism, sometimes harsh and interventionist, reflects a deep concern with the social and political reality of his time, seeking to give voice to the marginalized and oppressed.

Adolfo Sinval Costa

Adolfo Sinval Costa was a Brazilian poet whose works explore themes such as love, longing, and nature, with a language rich in imagery and musicality. His poetry is marked by lyrical sensitivity and an at times melancholic tone, reflecting the cultural context of his time. His contribution to Brazilian literature lies in how he captured human emotions and the beauties of the natural world in verses that resonate for their delicacy and depth. Although less known than other names of his time, Adolfo Sinval Costa holds a unique place in Portuguese-language poetry.

Javier de Bengoechea

Javier de Bengoechea was a Spanish writer and translator, with a work marked by his foray into various literary genres, including fiction and translation. His career was dedicated to the art of the word, both in the creation of his own narratives and in the dissemination of foreign works for the Spanish-speaking public. Known for his skill with language and his deep understanding of literary nuances, Bengoechea contributed to the cultural scene through his translations, which brought important works from other languages into Spanish, enriching the available literary collection.

Juan Gonzalo Rose

Juan Gonzalo Rose was a Peruvian poet and diplomat, a prominent figure of the Generation of the 50s in Peruvian literature. His poetic work is characterized by deep introspection, refined language, and the exploration of themes such as love, solitude, and the human condition. As a diplomat, he represented Peru in various countries, enriching his life and literary perspective.