Manuel A. Alonso Pacheco

Dr. Manuel Antonio Alonso Pacheco (October 6, 1822 – November 4, 1889) was a writer, poet and journalist. He is considered to be the first Puerto Rican writer of notable importance.

Manuel Antonio Alonso
Dr. Manuel A. Alonso
BornOctober 6, 1822
San Juan, Puerto Rico
DiedNovember 4, 1889
San Juan
Occupationwriter, poet, journalist
NationalityPuerto Rican
Literary movementLiberal Reform Movement
Notable worksEl Gíbaro, Album Puertorriqueño

Early years

Alonso was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He received his primary education in Caguas and in the Ildefonso 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.

Works

In 1845, he published a book called "El Gíbaro" (which now is spelled "Jíbaro"). "El Gíbaro" was a collection of verses whose main themes were the humble, Puerto Rican, country farmer and the customs of Puerto Rico.[1][2][3]

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 Juan, 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.[4] Alonso died in the City of San Juan on November 4, 1889.

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 poems are:[5]

  • Al Sr. D. José Julián Acosta
  • ¿Deseas, querido Pepe...
  • Boceto
  • Color moreno, frente despejada
  • Debajo de una palmera
  • El puertorriqueño
  • El salvaje
  • Es Madrid la villa y corte
  • Seguidillas
  • Todo el mundo es Popayán
  • Verás qué seguidillas

Short stories

Some of the short stories Alonso wrote include:[6]

  • Agapito Avellaneda
  • El jíbaro en la capital
  • El pájaro malo
  • El sueño de mi compadre
  • La gallera
  • La linterna mágica
  • La negrita y la vaquita
  • Perico Paciencia

Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming schools and public buildings after him.

See also

References
  1. Famous Puerto Ricans Archived 2016-03-29 at the Wayback Machine
  2. "Literature, Sign of Puerto Ricanness". Enciclopedia Puerto Rico. Encyclopedia of Puerto Rico Editorial Board. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  3. https://enciclopediapr.org/en/encyclopedia/alonso-pacheco-manuel-a/
  4. Aguinaldos Archived 2007-10-25 at the Wayback Machine
  5. https://ciudadseva.com/autor/manuel-a-alonso/poemas/
  6. https://ciudadseva.com/autor/manuel-a-alonso/cuentos/
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