Famous Argentinian Poets

Jorge Luis Borges was an Argentine essayist, poet, short-story writer, and translator. An important figure in Spanish-language literature, Jorge Luis Borges' works have contributed immensely to fantasy and the philosophical literature genre. It is also said that his works, which incorporated themes like labyrinths, dreams, and mythology, marked the beginning of 20th-century Latin American literature's magic realist movement.

Alfonsina Storni was an Argentine playwright and poet of the modernist period. She was one of the first women to find success in the Argentine literature and theater scene, which were dominated by men. Her literary works not only inspired her readers but also inspired other writers. 

Argentine poet José Hernández is best known for his long epic poem Martín Fierro. Having spent a part of his life in the pampas, he learned the ways and means of the gauchos and often described them in his works, such as The Gaucho Martin Fierro, a fine work of gaucho poetry.

A central figure in the history of Hispanic-American modernism, Leopoldo Lugones is remembered as much for his contributions towards formation of modern Spanish poetry as for his profound insight into Argentinean history. A well-Known poet-playwright-novelist, literary and social critic, and cultural ambassador, he later involved himself with national and international politics, leaving huge impact on the younger generation of writers.   

Argentine poet Juan Gelman was also a left-wing activist and later moved to Mexico, hounded by the military junta. He tragically also lost both his son and his daughter-in-law to the killings by the junta. His poems depicted the socio-political scenario in Argentina and even won him awards like the Cervantes Prize.

Poet, author, and activist Esteban Echeverría is known as one of the most prominent figures of Romanticism in Latin American literature. He was also part of the group that launched the May Organization and joined the campaign to end the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas.

Born in Argentina and educated in France and England, Argentinean poet Oliverio Girondo traveled back and forth to Europe as a young man, exploring the continent, traveling to find the source of the Nile in Africa. Very soon, he started writing poems that displayed symbolism, an avant-garde imagery and metrical complexity, helping the Ultraism movement to settle down in Argentina.

Horacio Ferrer was a Uruguayan-Argentine poet, reciter, broadcaster, and tango lyricist. He is best remembered for his collaboration with tango composer Astor Piazzolla; Ferrer contributed by composing the lyrics for many of Piazzolla's tangos, such as Chiquilín de Bachín and Balada para un loco.

Ezequiel Martínez Estrada was an Argentine poet, essayist, writer, and literary critic. A well-known and respected biographer and critic, Martínez Estrada was a recipient of several prestigious awards and honors such as the National Prize for Literature and National Prize for Letters. 

A member of Tercera Vanguardia generation and a pivotal figure in Argentine poetry, Olga Bronco started writing poems as a student, successfully publishing her early work in the literary magazine, Canto. Olga published her first collection at the age of 26. Marked by a sense of magic and spirituality, her works are noted for exploring a dimension which lied beyond the everyday physical world.

Estanislao del Campo was an Argentine poet best remembered for his satirical poem Fausto which was published in 1866. Born into a unitarian family, Estanislao del Campo also fought in the battles of Pavón and Cepeda, defending Buenos Aires' rights. A street and a town in Argentina are named in his honor.

José Mármol was an Argentine politician, journalist, writer, and librarian of the Romantic school. His lyric poems showcase his unique descriptive sensibility. After being in exile for 13 years, Mármol returned to his homeland where he was elected a senator from the province of Buenos Aires. José Mármol is also credited with founding three journals, including the famous La Semana.

Manuel Gálvez was an Argentine poet, novelist, biographer, essayist, and historian. A prolific writer, Gálvez explored a number of genres and styles and produced classics like Historia de arrabal and Nacha Regules. Manuel Gálvez also received a couple of literary prizes for his works, El general Quiroga and Los caminos de la muerte.