The short story collection Obabakoak, published in 1988, established the literary reputation of the Basque author Bernardo Atxaga. Born Joseba Irazu Garmendia in 1951 in Asteasu, Spain, he transitioned from a career in economics, bookselling, and teaching to focus exclusively on his writing practice in 1980. His body of work encompasses poetry, drama, and extensive prose.
Formative Years and Early Career
Atxaga pursued studies in philosophy at the University of Barcelona following a diploma in economics from the University of Bilbao. Before committing to a literary life, he navigated various professional roles, including publisher and radio scriptwriter. His public writing debut occurred in 1972 within an anthology of Basque authors. This was followed by his first short story, Ziutateaz, in 1976 and his initial poetry collection, Etiopia, in 1978.
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The publication of Obabakoak brought international attention to his work, earning the National Novel Prize in 1989. The collection has since appeared in more than 20 languages. Atxaga frequently writes in his native Basque, Euskara, while overseeing the translation of his texts into Spanish. His bibliography includes major novels such as The Lone Man, The Accordionist's Son, Seven Houses in France, and Nevada Days, along with the recent Houses and Tombs.
Diverse Literary Contributions
Beyond his novels, Atxaga maintains a prolific output in children's literature, short stories, and poetry. Notable children's titles include Xolak badu lehoien berri and Xola eta basurdeak, the latter receiving the Euskadi Prize for Children's Literature in 1997. He is an active member of the cultural community, holding memberships in the Royal Academy of the Basque Language (Euskaltzaindia) since 2006 and the academy of sciences and arts Jakiunde since 2010.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Asteasu, Spain
- Primary language: Basque
- Member of: Euskaltzaindia, Jakiunde
- Notable work: Obabakoak (1988)
- National Novel Prize winner: 1989
- Spanish Literature National Prize winner: 2019
- Early collection: Etiopia (1978)
Questions readers ask
What is Bernardo Atxaga's original name?
He was born Joseba Irazu Garmendia.
What languages does he write in?
He primarily writes in Basque and frequently translates his own work into Spanish.
Achievements
- Euskadi Prize - Child literature in Basque — 1997
- Genres: essay
