Camilo Jose Cela

Date of Birth: May 11, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 17, 2002

Biography

Camilo José Cela was a renowned Spanish novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Born on May 11, 1916, in Iria Flavia, Spain, he became one of the most influential figures in Spanish literature in the 20th century. Cela’s most acclaimed work, “La familia de Pascual Duarte” (The Family of Pascual Duarte), published in 1942, is considered a cornerstone of modern Spanish literature and a prime example of the “tremendismo” style, characterized by its stark and often brutal realism. Throughout his career, Cela published over 70 works, including novels, short stories, and essays. His writing often explored themes of human suffering, existential despair, and the absurdity of life. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his “rich and intensive prose, which with restrained compassion forms a challenging vision of man’s vulnerability.” Cela was also a member of the Royal Spanish Academy and held several honorary degrees from various universities. He passed away on January 17, 2002, in Madrid, Spain, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Spanish literature and culture.

5 Interesting Facts about Camilo Jose Cela

1. Camilo José Cela served as a censor for the Francoist regime in Spain before becoming a celebrated author.

2. He founded and edited a literary magazine called “Papeles de Son Armadans,” which became an important platform for contemporary Spanish literature.

3. Cela’s novel “La colmena” (The Hive) was initially banned in Spain due to its critical portrayal of Spanish society under Franco.

4. In addition to the Nobel Prize, Cela received the Miguel de Cervantes Prize in 1995, one of the most prestigious awards in Spanish-speaking literature.

5. He was known for his eccentric personality and once claimed to have the ability to absorb water through his anus, which he demonstrated on a Spanish television show.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Camilo Jose Cela

1. “Literature is the denunciation of the times in which one lives.”

2. “The writer must be a little god who creates a world, filling it with people and giving each one a soul.”

3. “The deeper the pain, the closer the soul is to the surface.”

4. “There are two kinds of writer: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.”

5. “The nobility of writing is a shield against the vulgarity of the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Camilo José Cela’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily derived from his book sales, literary awards, and royalties.