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Mexico's famous writer Ernesto de la Pena dies at 84MEXICO CITY, Sep 10, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Mexico's famous writer, translator and cultural figure Ernesto de la Pena died Monday at the age of 84 from respiratory failure, said the National Council for Culture and Arts. Council President Consuelo Saizar announced De la Pena's passing away via Twitter, saying "the country has lost one of its most important scholars. The Mexican motherland and literature are mourning." Born on Nov. 21, 1927, De la Pena, who studied classical literature at the country's National Autonomous University and became a renowned polyglot, dedicated his life to linguistics and writing. De la Pena, a member of the Mexican Language Academy and the Royal Spanish Language Academy, studied 33 languages, including Sanskrit, Greek and Latin. His most famous books include "The Stratagems of God" (1988), "The Indelible Borrelli Case" (1992), "Mineralogy for Intruders" and "The Transfigured Rose" (1999). He also had a passion for music and found the Opera Council of the National Fine Arts Institute. Last week, De la Pena received the Medal of Honor from the Menendez Pelayo International University for his "academic excellence," adding to his already long list of recognitions -- the 2003 National Arts and Sciences Award in Linguistics and Literature, the 2007 Gold Medal in Fine Arts, the Jose Pages Llergo National Communication Award and the Mozart Medal, among others. Moreover, De la Pena was a leading commentator in radio and television cultural programs, as well as a regular contributor to several newspapers and magazines. |