Who was Miguel de Unamuno?

Unamuno was a quintessential intellectual. His life spanned the 19th and 20th centuries; he lived exactly 36 years in each.

A tenacious author

Unamuno, through his work could masterfully narrate the social, cultural, and political events of the period in which he lived, as an active protagonist and direct witness.

The world's first "nivola"

A member of the so-called Generation of 98, Miguel de Unamuno developed a large variety of literary genres. He wrote novels, poetry, essays, theater, travel literature … In 1914, he even wrote a piece entitled Mist (Niebla) for which he conceived his own style: the nivola.

International Dimension

An exceptional figure by all accounts. Miguel de Unamuno's stature and work were acclaimed in countries around the world. His works were translated into numerous languages, and his reputation as an orator and thinker crossed borders.

Professor, chancellor, and man of letters

In 1891, he became the youngest ever professor at the University of Salamanca. In 1900, he was appointed chancellor; a position he held until 1914. His legacy was so formidable that he would be re-elected on two more occasions.

Truth before peace

The outbreak of the civil war in 1936 plunged Unamuno into a deep grief. He struggled to recover. His opposition to the established regime was commemorated when he proclaimed at the University of Salamanca: "To win is not to win over."

Family life

A homebody and family man, he enjoyed spending time with his numerous children and his beloved wife, Concha, who was a constant support to him whenever work allowed.

Leisure moments

Traveling, walking, or making paper figures were his most practiced pastimes. In addition to words, his pen also produced striking drawings, which today form an interesting collection.

His House-Museum

Today, the Unamuno House Museum holds his legacy and is a center for the study of his life and work in the university city of Salamanca, where he lived most of his life.

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