Eduardo Galeano was a Uruguayan novelist, journalist, and writer. Regarded as one of the most respected writers of Uruguay, Galeano was honored by the Global Exchange with the prestigious International Human Rights Award in 2006. In 2010, he was awarded the Stig Dagerman Prize.
Mario Benedetti was a Uruguayan novelist, journalist, and poet. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most important writers in the Spanish-speaking world, Benedetti was a key member of the Generation '45. Benedetti's works were published in 20 languages and he also contributed to the weekly newspaper, Marcha, where he served as the literary director from 1954 to 1973.
Juan Carlos Onetti was a Uruguayan novelist and short story writer. Counted among Latin America's most eminent writers, Onetti was the recipient of several prestigious honors including the Uruguay National Literature Prize. He was also an important member of the Generation '45, a group of writers who had a significant influence in the cultural and literary life of their country.
Cristina Peri Rossi is a Uruguayan poet, novelist, short story writer, and translator. Peri Rossi has also contributed immensely to several media agencies and newspapers such as Diario 16, Agencia EFE, and El Periódico. In 2021, she was honored with the prestigious Miguel de Cervantes Prize for her contributions to literature.
Considered a pioneer of fabulism, or magic realism, Uruguayan author Felisberto Hernández was also a skilled pianist and composer who had started training in the piano at age 9. By 12, he had started playing in silent-screen film theaters. He later also toured around Uruguay and Argentina, performing at minor concerts.
A prominent Uruguayan poet of the 20th century, Marosa di Giorgio wrote a total of 14 books of poetry, 3 collections of short stories and one novel. She published her first book of poetry Poemas in 1953 at the age of 22. Also an actress, she was associated with a professional theatre company (1950s-1960s) and appeared in almost thirty productions.
Eduardo Acevedo Díaz was a Uruguayan writer, journalist, and politician. An influential politician, Diaz is credited with militarizing the National Party. Eduardo Acevedo Díaz was also a prolific writer and is credited with founding the Uruguayan Magazine in 1875.
Armonia Somers was a Uruguayan novelist, feminist, pedagogue, and short story writer. A member of the Generation '45, Somers is best remembered for her debut novel The Naked Woman. Published in 1950, the novel caught the attention of many due to its high erotic content. Prior to her literary career, Somers worked as a teacher and taught in different schools.
Enrique Amorim was an Uruguayan writer and novelist best remembered for his work Las quitanderas which deals with rural prostitution. He also contributed as a writer for an Argentine leftist magazine named Los Pensadores. Enrique Amorim also played a major role in erecting a monument to commemorate Federico García Lorca in Salto, Uruguay.