César Vallejo, born on March 16, 1892, in Santiago de Chuco, Peru, is considered one of the greatest Spanish-language poets and a fundamental writer of the 20th century. His works, imbued with pain, compassion, and political commitment, have influenced many writers and thinkers worldwide. His poetry is renowned for its innovative nature, especially in the use of language, rhythms, and existential and social themes.
César Vallejo was born into a modest family of indigenous origin, in a small town in the Peruvian Andes. From an early age, he was exposed to the hardships of rural life and social inequalities, themes that profoundly influenced his work. After completing his secondary education, he moved to Trujillo, where he enrolled at the National University of Trujillo to study literature and philosophy.
In 1919, Vallejo published his first collection of poems titled Los Heraldos Negros (The Black Heralds). This book evokes existential pain and the trials of humanity, reflecting the tragic view of life that Vallejo acquired by observing poverty and social injustice in Peru.
In 1923, César Vallejo moved to Paris, where he befriended avant-garde writers and artists. It was there that he published Trilce (1922), an innovative work that broke with poetic conventions of the time.
In the 1930s, Vallejo became increasingly politically engaged, influenced by Marxism. He became an advocate for the oppressed, writing works that denounced social injustice and authoritarian regimes.
Shortly before his death, Vallejo completed his last collection, Human Poems, which was published posthumously. This work is often regarded as his masterpiece, blending his social and human concerns.
César Vallejo died in 1938 in Paris, but his literary influence continues to be celebrated worldwide, making him one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.