Abel Posse (born 7 January 1934) is an Argentine novelist, essayist, and former diplomat. He is recognized for his contributions to contemporary Argentine literature, particularly for works that explore national identity, history, and geopolitics.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Córdoba, Argentina, to a family with literary interests.
- Studied law at the National University of Córdoba, earning his degree in 1957.
Diplomatic Career
- Joined the Argentine foreign service in the late 1950s.
- Served in various diplomatic posts, including assignments in Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Retired from diplomatic service in the early 1990s to focus on writing.
Literary Career
- Debuted with the novel Los perros del paraíso (1965).
- Gained international prominence with Manifiesto del Nuevo País (1972) and Los perros del paraíso.
- Notable works include:
- El inquietante juego de la vida (1975)
- Los perros del paraíso (1976)
- Dios, el diablo y el sereno (1988)
- La reina del Plata (1994) – a historical novel set in 19th‑century Buenos Aires.
- El fuego de las multitudes (2002) – a historical novel about the Argentine independence wars.
- Themes frequently address Argentine history, the tension between civilization and barbarism, and the influence of foreign powers on national development.
Awards and Honors
- Received the National Prize for Literature (Argentina) in 1991.
- Awarded the Konex Award (1994) for literature.
- Honored with the Premio Planeta de Novela (1999) for El largo viaje del rey.
- Elected as a member of the Argentine Academy of Letters.
Later Activities
- Continues to write essays and commentaries on cultural and political issues in Argentine and Latin American media.
- Has participated in literary festivals and academic conferences worldwide.
Selected Bibliography
| Year | Title (Spanish) | English Translation (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Los perros del paraíso | The Dogs of Paradise |
| 1972 | Manifiesto del Nuevo País | Manifesto of the New Country |
| 1988 | Dios, el diablo y el sereno | God, the Devil, and the Nightwatch |
| 1994 | La reina del Plata | The Queen of the Silver River |
| 2002 | El fuego de las multitudes | The Fire of the Multitudes |
| 1999 | El largo viaje del rey | The King's Long Journey |
Personal Life
- Married María de la Paz Aguirre; the couple has children.
- Resides primarily in Buenos Aires, with periods spent in Spain and the United States for research and literary events.
Abel Posse remains an influential figure in Argentine letters, known for integrating historical research with narrative fiction to examine the nation's complex past.
