Manuel A. Alonso
Encyclopedia
Dr. Manuel A. Alonso was a writer, poet and journalist. He is considered to be the first Puerto Rican writer of notable importance.
. He received his primary education in Caguas
and in the Lidefonso Seminary in San Juan. Alonso then went to the City of Barcelona, Spain
where he enrolled in the University of Barcelona
to study medicine. He finished his medical studies in 1844 and practiced his profession in Barcelona. In 1845, he published a book called "Gibaro" (which now is spelled "Jíbaro"). "El Gibaro" was a collection of verses whose main themes were the poor Puerto Rican country farmer and the customs of Puerto Rico.
, until the day of his death. In collaboration with other notable writers of the day, he published the "Album Puertorriqueño" (Puerto Rican Album), which was the second anthology
of poems to be published in the island.
Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming schools and public buildings after him.
Early years
Alonso was born in San Juan, Puerto RicoSan Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
. He received his primary education in Caguas
Caguas, Puerto Rico
Caguas , founded in 1775, is a city and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico, south of San Juan and Trujillo Alto, west of Gurabo and San Lorenzo, east of Aguas Buenas, Cidra, and Cayey....
and in the Lidefonso Seminary in San Juan. Alonso then went to the City of Barcelona, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
where he enrolled in the University of Barcelona
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is a public university located in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. It is a member of the Coimbra Group, LERU, European University Association, Mediterranean Universities Union, International Research Universities Network and Vives Network...
to study medicine. He finished his medical studies in 1844 and practiced his profession in Barcelona. In 1845, he published a book called "Gibaro" (which now is spelled "Jíbaro"). "El Gibaro" was a collection of verses whose main themes were the poor Puerto Rican country farmer and the customs of Puerto Rico.
Return to Puerto Rico
In 1848, Alonso returned to Puerto Rico and set up his medical office in the City of Caguas. He also became the director of the House of Benefit of San JuanSan Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
, until the day of his death. In collaboration with other notable writers of the day, he published the "Album Puertorriqueño" (Puerto Rican Album), which was the second anthology
Anthology
An anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler. It may be a collection of poems, short stories, plays, songs, or excerpts...
of poems to be published in the island.
Poet and journalist
As a writer, poet and journalist he derived his inspiration from anything that had to do with love and his country. Alonso cultivated his verses and gave them a touch festivality. Alonso was also, a member of the Liberal Reform movement in Puerto Rico and directed that organizations publication, "El Agente" (The Agent). Among his works are: "El Baile de Garabato" and "Puertorriqueño". Dr. Manuel A. Alonso died in the City of San Juan on November 4, 1889.Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming schools and public buildings after him.
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican writers
- Puerto Rican literature
- Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States