March 2024 - Ecuadorian Literature

José Villacreses Vinueza

José Villacreses Vinueza (Riobamba, Ecuador, 1940) is an Ecuadorian author, poet, chemical engineer, and former athlete, renowned for his contributions to literature, science, and sports. Over the years, he has authored several notable books, including “Nervios de Guitarra” (2010), “Manantial de Ensueños” (2014), “Emoción Sensorial” (2016), and “Mi Vida Entre Poemas” (2019), each reflecting his deep emotional and sensorial engagement with the world. Villacreses’s multifaceted career spans across academia, sports, and literary realms.

Vicente Robalino

Dr. Vicente Robalino (Ibarra, 1960) is an Ecuadorian poet, essayist, and educator known for his extensive work in literature and academia. With advanced degrees from UNAM and PUCE, he has authored several books of poetry and essays, contributing significantly to Ecuador’s literary scene. As a professor at PUCE and a guest lecturer at Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Robalino has played a crucial role in shaping the appreciation and understanding of Latin American literature among students and peers.

Carlos Altamirano Sánchez

Carlos Altamirano Sánchez (Guayaquil, November 15, 1926) is an Ecuadorian poet and journalist, recognized for addressing social issues through his works, including “Hijo Imperfecto” and “Lamento de un Soñador.” His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Gold Medal in the Borja Lavayen Poetry Contest and a significant role in founding the Union of Ecuadorian Journalists, highlighting his impact on Ecuador’s cultural and literary spheres.

Mark Honigsbaum

Mark Honigsbaum (London, 1960) is an esteemed journalist and historian, renowned for his exploration into the historical and contemporary implications of infectious diseases. His connection to Ecuadorian literature comes through his riveting book, “Valverde’s Gold: In Search of the Last Great Inca Treasure” (2004), a work that delves into the heart of Ecuador’s Llanganati National Park in search of the last great hoard of Inca gold. This book not only captures the imagination with its tale of adventure and pursuit but also firmly anchors Honigsbaum’s contribution to literature related to Ecuador.

Fabián Luzuriaga

Fabián Luzuriaga, an economics graduate with a master’s in Business Administration, has been a transformative leader in Ecuador’s publishing sector since 1999. Leading key projects and entities like the Fondo de Cultura Económica Ecuador and USFQ Press, and serving multiple terms as the president of the Ecuadorian Chamber of Books, Luzuriaga has focused on digital innovation, intellectual property rights, and engaging the community with literature. His efforts are pivotal in modernizing the publishing industry and promoting Ecuadorian literature’s growth and reach.

The National Political Poem (Flame on the Corner) by Marco Antonio La Mota

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on March 6, 2024, from the original work “El Poema Politico Nacional (Llama en la esquina)” by Marco Antonio La Mota (Unknown-1946) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “The National Political Poem (Flame on the Corner).”