Augusto Monterroso

Augusto Monterroso (1921 - February 7, 2003) was a Guatemalan writer.

Related Topics:
1921 - February 7 - 2003 - Guatemalan

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Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Monterroso was however a Guatemalan citizen. He was exiled from Guatemala in 1944 for opposing the dictator Jorge Ubico and protesting against United States-owned banana plantations operating in Central America.

Related Topics:
Tegucigalpa - Honduras - 1944 - Dictator - Jorge Ubico - United States - Banana - Central America

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Monterroso is credited with writing one of the world's shortest stories, El Dinosaurio (The Dinosaur). The story reads in its entirety:

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: "Cuando despertó, el dinosaurio todavía estaba allí."

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: ("When ... awoke, the dinosaur was still there.")

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In 1988, he received the highest honour the Mexican government can bestow on foreign dignitaries, the Aguila Azteca. He was also awarded the Spanish Prince of Asturias Award, in 2000.

Related Topics:
1988 - Mexican - Aguila Azteca - Spanish - Prince of Asturias Award - 2000

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He died of heart problems at the age of 81, in Mexico City, where he had lived since 1944.

Related Topics:
Heart - Mexico City

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