Eduardo Galeano

 

Eduardo Galeano

Eduardo Galeano 1984

(Uruguayan Journalist & Writer Best-Known for His Works ‘Las venas abiertas de América

Latina’ & ‘Memoria Del Fuego’)

Source:The famous People

 

 

One of Latin America’s most cherished and admired literary figures, Eduardo Galeano was an Uruguayan author, who raised his voice incessantly for human rights and social justice. He was a severe critic of globalization and highlighted the dehumanizing facets of globalization in the contemporary world. One of South America’s most renowned writers, he was an ambassador of Latin American history and provided the world an insight into their culture, heritage and struggles, through his passionate and honest writing. Some of his notable works include, ‘Las Venas Abiertas de America’ (translated in over 20 languages), ‘Days and Nights of Love and War’, ‘Football in Sun and Shadow’, ‘Memory of Fire’ trilogy, ‘Am Rich Potosí: The Mountain that Eats Men’ and ‘Children of the Days: A Calendar of Human History’. His books are a distinctive balance of Latin American history and his fictional stories also have elements of Latin American culture and antiquity. This distinguished author also wrote books on journalism and political analysis.

Eduardo Galeano

Birthday: September 3, 1940 (Virgo)

 

Born In: Montevideo, Uruguay

 

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Eduardo Hughes Galeano

 

Died At Age: 74

 

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Graciela Berro Rovira (M. 1962), Helena Villagra (M. 1976), Silvia Brando (M. 1959–1962)

 

Children: Claudio Hughes Berro, Florencia Hughes Berro, Verónica Hughes Brando

 

Quotes By Eduardo Galeano Novelists

 

Died On: April 13, 2015

 

Place Of Death: Montevideo, Uruguay

 

Ancestry: Indian American

 

Cause Of Death: Lung Cancer

 

City: Montevideo, Uruguay

 

More Facts

Recommended Lists:

 

Uruguayan CelebritiesUruguayan MenVirgo WritersMale WritersMale Novelists

Childhood & Early Life

Eduardo Hughes Galeano was born in Montevideo, Uruguay to a modest middle class Catholic family of European descent.

As a teenager, he did many odd jobs such as working at factories, working as a typist, sign painter, bill collector and bank teller, to earn his living. By the time he was 15, he sold his first political cartoon to the Spanish newspaper, ‘EL Sol’.

In the early 1960s, he began his career as a journalist with the Uruguayan weekly newspaper, ‘Marcha’. He also edited ‘Epoca’, a Brazilian weekly news and analysis magazine.

In 1973, during the time of a military coup in Uruguay, he was sent to prison for a brief period, and later he fled.

Career

In 1971, his book titled, ‘Las Venas Abiertas de America’, an analysis of the Latin American history, was published. The book highlighted the period of European settlement and U.S economic exploitation.

In 1978, he published the award-winning book, ‘Days and Nights of Love and War’. The book revolves around the dictatorial regime in Uruguay in the 1970s.

Between 1982 and 1986, he came up with the ‘Memory of Fire’ trilogy. The collection consisted of the books, ‘Genesis’, ‘Faces and Masks’ and ‘Century of the Wind’.

In 1989, he published ‘We Say No: Chronicles’, which consisted of speeches he delivered, supporting the concept of democracy in Chile.

In 1993, he came out with the speculative and fictional ‘Walking Words’, an illustrated edition that contained folklore tales of rural and urban Latin America.

In 1995, he came up with the book titled, ‘Football in Sun and Shadow’, a book about football (soccer). In the book, the author delves into all aspects of international football.

In 1998, he published Upside Down: A Primer for the Looking-Glass World’. The book offers an account of the relationship shared between the first world and the third world nations.

In 1999, he published the book, ‘Am Rich Potosi: The Mountain that Eats Men’, a fictional account of mountain Potosi in Bolivia, which yielded enormous amounts of silver.

In 2008, he published the book, ‘Mirrors: Stories of Almost Everyone’, which is a reflection of the 21st century world. In this book, he delves into the lives of people living in cities like Mumbai and New York.

In 2012, his book titled, ‘Children of the Days: A Calendar of Human History’ was published. The book was shaped like a calendar and had a story for each day.

Major Works

One of his most influential and seminal works, ‘Las Venas Abiertas de Am�rica’ was deemed as a culturally relevant book. A bestseller, it was the most popular book on Amazon.com. The book was presented to President Obama by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, after which the sales soared.

His book, ‘Days and Nights of Love and War’ was the recipient of The Casa de las Americas Prize, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious literary awards given in Latin America.

Awards & Achievements

In 1999, he received Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize.

In 2006, he was awarded the International Human Rights Award by Global Exchange.

In 2010, he was the recipient of the Stig Dagerman Prize, a Swedish award.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1959, he married his first wife, Silvia Brando and divorced her in 1962.

 He married Graciela Berro, the same year.

 

In 1976, he got married to Helena Villagra.

In 2004, he came out with his biographical publication titled, ‘Voices of Time: A Life in Stories’, which offers an insight into his childhood. The book was a moving account of his personal life and experiences.

Eduardo Galeano died from lung cancer on 13 April 2015, in Montevideo, at the age of 74.

Trivia

This Uruguayan author aspired to be a football player during his teenage years. This desire is reflected in one of his books.

 

With affection,

Ruben