# Augusto Roa Bastos

> Paraguayan writer (1917–2005)

**Wikidata**: [Q159967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q159967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Roa_Bastos)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/augusto-roa-bastos

## Summary
Augusto Roa Bastos was a Paraguayan writer, journalist, and screenwriter, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary figures in Latin America. His works, including the acclaimed novel *I the Supreme* (1974), explored themes of dictatorship, identity, and Paraguayan history, earning him international recognition and prestigious awards such as the Miguel de Cervantes Prize.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 13, 1917
- **Died**: April 26, 2005
- **Nationality**: Paraguayan
- **Occupations**: Writer, journalist, screenwriter, poet, university teacher
- **Known for**: Authoring *I the Supreme* (1974) and other influential works in Latin American literature
- **Employer(s)**: University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès (as a university teacher)
- **Field(s)**: Literature, journalism, screenwriting

## Contributions
Augusto Roa Bastos made significant contributions to Latin American literature, particularly through his exploration of political and historical themes. His most notable work, *I the Supreme* (1974), is a dictator novel that critiques authoritarianism and remains a cornerstone of Paraguayan and Latin American literary canon. He also contributed to journalism and screenwriting, further expanding his influence in cultural and intellectual circles. His works have been translated into multiple languages and studied in academic institutions worldwide.

## FAQs
### What is Augusto Roa Bastos best known for?
Augusto Roa Bastos is best known for his novel *I the Supreme* (1974), which is a seminal work in the dictator novel genre, critiquing authoritarianism and exploring Paraguayan history.

### What awards did Augusto Roa Bastos receive?
He received numerous prestigious awards, including the Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1989), the Kurt Tucholsky Prize, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, and the Guggenheim Fellowship. He was also honored with the National Order of Merit (Paraguay), the Order of José Martí (Cuba), and the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (Argentina).

### Where did Augusto Roa Bastos work?
He worked as a university teacher at the University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès in France and contributed to various literary and journalistic projects throughout his career.

### What genres did Augusto Roa Bastos write in?
Roa Bastos primarily wrote in the genres of fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. His works often fall under the dictator novel genre, which challenges the role of dictators in Latin American society.

### What is the significance of *I the Supreme*?
*I the Supreme* is a groundbreaking novel that critiques authoritarianism and explores the psychological and political complexities of dictatorship. It is considered a masterpiece of Latin American literature and has been widely studied and celebrated.

## Why They Matter
Augusto Roa Bastos's work has had a profound impact on Latin American literature and political discourse. His exploration of dictatorship and identity in *I the Supreme* has influenced generations of writers and intellectuals, shaping the way authoritarianism is understood and critiqued in the region. His contributions to literature and journalism have also helped to preserve and promote Paraguayan culture and history on the global stage.

## Notable For
- Authoring *I the Supreme* (1974), a seminal work in the dictator novel genre
- Winning the Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1989), one of the most prestigious awards in Spanish-language literature
- Receiving the Knight of the Legion of Honour, a high French honor
- Being awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for his contributions to the arts
- Serving as a university teacher at the University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
- Contributing to the dictator novel genre, which critiques authoritarianism in Latin America
- Being recognized with multiple national and international awards, including the National Order of Merit (Paraguay) and the Order of José Martí (Cuba)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Augusto Roa Bastos was born on June 13, 1917, in Paraguay. He grew up in a country marked by political turmoil and cultural richness, which deeply influenced his literary work. His education and early experiences in Paraguay shaped his understanding of history, politics, and identity, themes that would later dominate his writing.

### Literary Career
Roa Bastos began his literary career in the 1950s, gaining recognition for his unique voice and exploration of Paraguayan history and culture. His works often delved into the complexities of dictatorship, identity, and the human condition. *I the Supreme* (1974) is his most famous novel, a masterpiece that critiques authoritarianism and remains a cornerstone of Latin American literature.

### Major Works
- *I the Supreme* (1974): A dictator novel that explores the psychological and political complexities of authoritarian rule.
- Other works include poetry, screenplays, and journalistic pieces that contributed to his reputation as a versatile and influential writer.

### Awards and Recognition
Roa Bastos received numerous awards throughout his career, including:
- **Miguel de Cervantes Prize** (1989): Awarded for his lifetime achievements in Spanish-language literature.
- **Kurt Tucholsky Prize**: A Swedish literary award recognizing his contributions to literature.
- **Knight of the Legion of Honour**: A high French honor for his cultural and literary contributions.
- **Guggenheim Fellowship**: A grant supporting his work in the arts.
- **National Order of Merit** (Paraguay): The highest Paraguayan order of merit.
- **Order of José Martí** (Cuba): Recognizing his contributions to literature and culture.
- **Order of the Liberator General San Martín** (Argentina): An honorary order for his literary achievements.

### Academic and Teaching Career
Roa Bastos served as a university teacher at the University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès in France. His academic work further solidified his influence in literary and cultural studies, inspiring students and scholars alike.

### Influence and Legacy
Roa Bastos's work has had a lasting impact on Latin American literature and political thought. His exploration of dictatorship and identity in *I the Supreme* has influenced generations of writers and intellectuals, shaping the way authoritarianism is understood and critiqued in the region. His contributions to literature and journalism have also helped to preserve and promote Paraguayan culture and history on the global stage.

### Death and Posthumous Recognition
Augusto Roa Bastos passed away on April 26, 2005. His legacy continues to be celebrated through his literary works, which remain influential in academic and cultural circles worldwide. His contributions to literature and his exploration of political themes ensure his place as one of the most significant literary figures in Latin America.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. The Fine Art Archive
4. Find a Grave
5. [Tucholskypriset. Swedish PEN Club](https://www.svenskapen.se/tucholskypriset-pristagare)
6. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/rechercheconsultation/consultation/ir/pdfIR.action?irId=FRAN_IR_026438)
7. Journal officiel de la République française. 1989
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. SNAC
13. todotango.com
14. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
18. Babelio
19. Munzinger Personen
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. Quora
22. LIBRIS. 2012
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
24. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
25. authority file of the National Library of Uruguay