This June 13 marks the writer’s day, in commemoration of the birthday of the politician and diplomat Leopoldo Lugones. A day like today, but in 1874, the Argentine philologist and historian was born in Villa María del Río Seco, Córdoba. He left an indelible legacy in the national culture and left a mark on writing.
Throughout his life, Lugones wrote 35 books. Among them are: “The Crepuscules of the Garden”, “Lunario Sentimental”, “The Faithful Book” and “The Gaucha War”, among others. In addition, he founded the Argentine Society of Writers (SADE), which was in charge of choosing the date of his birth as writer’s day.
The politician attended high school at the Colegio Nacional de Monserrat and, by 1892, he began his contact with journalism and writing. Already installed in Buenos Aires, in 1915, the writer he took over as director of the National Library of Teachers and, by 1924, Lugones won the National Prize for Literature.
The mysteries behind the death of Lugones
The also writer and journalist took his own life on February 18, 1938 in Tigre. About it, he left a letter where he sentenced: “I am the only one responsible for all my actions.” On this day, the reasons behind Lugones’ decision are still a mystery. Among the hypotheses shuffled, is a supposed love disappointment.
As for the words he mentioned in his last letter, the writer was blunt, since he clearly expressed his desire and will. In detail, he wrote: “Let me be buried in the ground without a drawer and without any sign or name that reminds me.” He also requested: “I forbid my name to be given to any public place. I do not blame anyone. I am solely responsible for I of all my acts”.
