User:Aaronelozano/sandbox

Dr. Manuel A. Alonso (October 6, 1822 – November 4, 1889) was a writer, poet, journalist, and doctor. He is considered to be the first Puerto Rican writer of notable importance.

Early Life
Alonso was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 6th, 1822. He received his primary education in Caguas, Puerto Rico and in the Lidefonso Seminary in San Juan. At an early age, Alonso displayed both a passion for writing as well as for the sciences, which led him to leave the island for Barcelona, Spain in 1842 to study medicine at the University of Barcelona, College of Medicine. He graduated with a medical degree with specialties in surgery and mental health in 1849 and returned to his native Puerto Rico. He spent roughly six years there before returning to Spain again in 1858. For the next decade or two, Alonso spent time moving between Spain to practice medicine and back to Puerto Rico to write.

Writing Career
Alonso's writing reflects his deep love of his country. His first published work was an anthology of poems and prose in written in collaboration with other Puerto Rican writers called "Album Puertorriqueño." A few years later, he published another collaborative anthology called "El Cancionero de Borinquen." Both of these anthologies contain prose and poetry centered on Puerto Rican customs and traditions.

After the success of his collaborative anthologies, Alonso decided to publish an anthology of his own. In 1849,"El Gibaro" was published, Alonso's first solo work. It was a collection of stories and poetry aimed at creating a Puerto Rican identity. By centering the anthology on the life of a poor Puerto Rican farmer living in the country side, many citizens of Puerto Rico were able to relate to it. Also very prevalent in his book, just as his previous ones, was the importance of Puerto Rican traditions and customs. The second part of "El Gibaro" was published almost four decades later.

Later in his life, he joined the Liberal Reform movement in Puerto Rico and directed that organization's publication, "El Agente." Among his articles for the publication are: "El Baile de Garabato" and "Puertorriqueño".

Legacy
Alonso is considered the first Puerto Rican writer of notable significance. He also performed great acts of charity in the country by establishing a benefit house for the poor in San Juan. He also performed medical services for those in need while he lived on the island. While he is best known for his writings, he was a very strong advocate for political change in Puerto Rico, as evidenced by his directorship of the Liberal Reformist newspaper mentioned above. He was heavily involved in this movement, while also keeping his writing career alive until his death on November 4, 1889. Puerto Rico honors his memory by naming schools and public buildings after him.