Date: Feb 08, 2012

Prof. Awarded the 2011 Latino Literature Prize in Poetry

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … Miguel Angel Zapata, associate professor of romance languages and literatures at and a noted Peruvian poet and scholar, has been awarded the 2011 Latino Literature Prize in the Poetry Category for his book Fragmentos de una manzana y otros poemas (Fragments of an Apple and Other Poems), published by the Biblioteca Sibila/BBVA Foundation, one of the leading and most prestigious publishers in Spain. The foundation’s advisory board is composed of such distinguished members as Mario Vargas Llosa (recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature) and Antonio Gamoneda (recipient of the Cervantes Prize in Literature).

Sponsored by the Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI) of the City University of New York, the Latino Literature Prize is awarded to the best books in poetry and fiction published during the calendar year. This prize has been awarded in previous years to such distinguished writers as Pulitzer Prize-winner Oscar Hijuelos; Ilan Stavans, the Lewis-Sebring Professor at Amherst College; and Marjorie Agosin, a professor at Wellesley College), among others.

According to the panel of judges, Dr. Zapata's book was selected as the winner for "having infused Latin American poetry with the freshest and most original style and imagery." The judges’ report also states that Dr. Zapata's collection of poetry "was awarded the prize not only for the unique voice he offers up, but also for a poetic practice characterized by a mixing of registers and styles. His fine workmanship of the image as well as his cultural and multiple literary references turn the reading of this book into a rewarding poetic and intellectual adventure."

Dr. Zapata is considered one of the most innovative poets of his generation in Peru and one of Latin America’s most influential poetic voices over the past 10 years. He is the author of several books of poetry and essays. Among his recent published works are the celebrated Ensayo sobre la rosa. Poesía selecta (2010), Mario Vargas Llosa and the Persistence of Memory (2006),  A Sparrow in the House of Seven Patios (2005), El cielo que me escribe (2002), Moradas de la voz. Notas sobre poesía latinoamericana contemporánea (2002), and Escribir bajo el polvo (2000).

Founded in 1987, LAWI is devoted to the creation and promotion of Latin American literature in the United States and abroad. Its mission is to build bridges between Latin American writers and scholars in the United States with their counterparts in Latin America and other parts of the world. LAWI received in 1991 the Manhattan Borough President's "Excellence in Arts Award."

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 140 undergraduate and more than 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services; and honors studies, as well as a School of Law and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

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