Goytisolo Gay, José Agustín

b. 1928, Barcelona

   Writer and lawyer

   The elder brother of Juan and Luis Goytisolo, José Agustín Goytisolo is known primarily, though not exclusively, as a poet. After studying Law, he became editor in a publishing house, and was active as an essayist and translator. Professorial appointments followed in Mexico, Havana and at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is the author of critical studies such as Poetas catalanes contemporáneos (Contemporary Catalan Poets) (1968) and Nueva poesía cubana. (New Cuban Poetry) (1970).

   It is, however, on his considerable poetic production that his significance mainly rests. Between 1955 and 1995, he published fifteen collections of poetry. El retorno (The Return) (1955), Salmos al viento (Psalms to the Wind) (1957) and Claridad (Brightness) (1961) established his reputation. Años decisivos (Years of Decision) (1963) was followed by Algo sucede (Something is Happening) (1967). After a period of relative silence, the 1970s were productive years, with Bajo tolerancia (On Suffrance) (1973), Taller de arquitectura (Architect's Office) (1976), Del tiempo del olvido (From the Time of Forgetfulness) (1978), Palabras para Julia (Words for Julia) (1979) and Los pasos del cazador (The Hunter's Footsteps) (1980). He has remained writing into his middle and late sixties, with Novísima oda a Barcelona (New Ode to Barcelona) (1992) and Como las trenes de la noche (Like the Night Trains) (1995).

   Goytisolo's work received early recognition with the award of the Adonais Prize (Madrid 1956), the Boscán Prize (Barcelona 1958) and the Ausias March Prize (Valencia 1960). Further honours followed, including the Gold Medal of the City of Florence (1970) and the Critics" Prize for Poetry (1993).

   Goytisolo has continued his work in publishing, and edits the Colección Marca Hispánica published by Ediciones del Mall.

   EAMONN RODGERS