# Miguel Ángel Asturias

> Guatemalan writer and diplomat (1899–1974)

**Wikidata**: [Q75603](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q75603)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Ángel_Asturias)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miguel-angel-asturias

## Summary

Miguel Ángel Asturias was a Guatemalan writer born on October 19, 1899 in Guatemala City [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. He was a prominent figure in surrealism and magic realism . He passed away on June 9, 1974 in Madrid, Spain [1][2][3][16][17][4][5][6][7][8][18][9][10][11][12][13][14] and was buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery [4]. Asturias was a Guatemalan citizen  and practiced Catholicism [19][20][21][22]. He had one child, Rodrigo Asturias . His literary achievements were recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Order of Augusto César Sandino, the Medalla Yucatán, the Lenin Peace Prize, an honorary doctorate from the University of Reims, and an honorary degree from the University of Western Brittany [23][24][25].

## Summary
Miguel Ángel Asturias was a Guatemalan writer, diplomat, and poet best known for his literary contributions and for winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. His works, deeply rooted in Guatemalan culture and indigenous traditions, have left a lasting impact on Latin American literature.

## Biography
- **Born:** October 19, 1899, in Guatemala City, Guatemala
- **Nationality:** Guatemalan
- **Education:** Studied at the University of Paris and Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
- **Known for:** Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Lenin Peace Prize, as well as his contributions to Guatemalan and Latin American literature
- **Employer(s):** Served as a diplomat for Guatemala
- **Field(s):** Literature, poetry, diplomacy

## Contributions
Miguel Ángel Asturias made significant contributions to literature through his novels, poems, and essays. His notable works include:
- **"El Señor Presidente" (1946):** A novel that critiques dictatorship and political corruption, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Latin American literature.
- **"Hombres de Maíz" (1949):** A novel that explores the cultural and spiritual heritage of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala.
- **"Leyendas de Guatemala" (1930):** A collection of short stories that blend indigenous myths and modern narrative techniques.

Asturias also played a role in diplomacy, representing Guatemala in various international capacities. His literary works have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be studied and celebrated worldwide.

## FAQs
**What awards did Miguel Ángel Asturias receive?**
Miguel Ángel Asturias received several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967 and the Lenin Peace Prize in 1966. He also received honorary doctorates from the University of Reims and the University of Western Brittany.

**Where did Miguel Ángel Asturias study?**
Asturias studied at the University of Paris and the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. His education in both Guatemala and France influenced his literary style and themes.

**What are some of Miguel Ángel Asturias's most famous works?**
Some of his most famous works include "El Señor Presidente," "Hombres de Maíz," and "Leyendas de Guatemala." These works are celebrated for their exploration of Guatemalan culture, politics, and indigenous traditions.

**What role did Miguel Ángel Asturias play in diplomacy?**
Asturias served as a diplomat for Guatemala, representing his country in various international capacities. His diplomatic work complemented his literary career, allowing him to engage with global issues and cultures.

## Why They Matter
Miguel Ángel Asturias is a pivotal figure in Latin American literature, known for his innovative storytelling and deep exploration of Guatemalan identity. His works have influenced generations of writers and have been instrumental in bringing Latin American literature to a global audience. Asturias's ability to blend indigenous myths with modern narrative techniques has set a benchmark for literary creativity and cultural representation.

## Notable For
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967
- Receiving the Lenin Peace Prize in 1966
- Authoring influential novels such as "El Señor Presidente" and "Hombres de Maíz"
- Serving as a diplomat for Guatemala
- Receiving honorary doctorates from the University of Reims and the University of Western Brittany

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Miguel Ángel Asturias was born on October 19, 1899, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He pursued his education at the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and later studied at the University of Paris. His time in France exposed him to various literary and cultural influences that would later shape his writing.

### Literary Career
Asturias's literary career is marked by a deep engagement with Guatemalan culture and politics. His novel "El Señor Presidente," published in 1946, is a scathing critique of dictatorship and political corruption. The novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Latin American literature and has been translated into multiple languages.

Another significant work, "Hombres de Maíz," published in 1949, explores the cultural and spiritual heritage of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. The novel blends indigenous myths with modern narrative techniques, showcasing Asturias's innovative storytelling.

"Leyendas de Guatemala," published in 1930, is a collection of short stories that further highlight Asturias's ability to weave indigenous myths into contemporary literature. This work has been celebrated for its rich cultural content and literary creativity.

### Diplomatic Career
In addition to his literary achievements, Asturias served as a diplomat for Guatemala. His diplomatic work allowed him to engage with international issues and cultures, complementing his literary career. His experiences as a diplomat influenced his writing, providing him with a broader perspective on global affairs.

### Awards and Recognition
Asturias received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1967, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, one of the highest honors in the literary world. He also received the Lenin Peace Prize in 1966, recognizing his contributions to literature and his commitment to peace.

Additionally, Asturias was awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Reims and the University of Western Brittany, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished literary figure.

### Legacy
Miguel Ángel Asturias's legacy extends beyond his literary works. His ability to blend indigenous myths with modern narrative techniques has set a benchmark for literary creativity and cultural representation. His works continue to be studied and celebrated worldwide, influencing generations of writers and bringing Latin American literature to a global audience.

Asturias's contributions to literature and diplomacy have left a lasting impact on Guatemalan culture and the broader literary world. His works remain a testament to his innovative storytelling and deep exploration of Guatemalan identity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. Find a Grave
5. [Source](https://books.google.com.mx/books?id=vLkHAQAAIAAJ&q=inauthor:%22Jimena+Sáenz%22&dq=inauthor:%22Jimena+Sáenz%22&hl=es-419&sa=X&redir_esc=y)
6. [Source](http://istmo.denison.edu/n27-28/foro/02_pinto_julio_form.pdf)
7. [Source](https://lahora.gt/secciones-para-ti/cultura/wpcomvip/2019/04/17/la-importancia-que-miguel-angel-asturias-le-dio-a-la-semana-santa/)
8. [Source](https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/miguel-angel-asturias-poema-jesus-nazareno-de-candelaria/)
9. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1967/)
10. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
11. Journal officiel de la République française. 1972
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. CiNii Research
14. [Source](https://research.reading.ac.uk/diasporicarchives/collections/)
15. SNAC
16. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
17. Discogs
18. NooSFere
19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
20. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
21. Czech National Authority Database
22. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
23. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
24. Proleksis Encyclopedia
25. Munzinger Personen
26. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural
27. Nationalencyklopedin
28. Academy of Arts, Berlin
29. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
30. Virtual International Authority File
31. nobelprize.org
32. CONOR.SI
33. Goodreads
34. LIBRIS. 2018
35. authority file of the National Library of Uruguay