Feature Articles

Paco Ignacio Taibo I (1924-2008)
By Jennifer Mecus, Library Support Center Representative

The writer and journalist most famous for being the founder of the cultural section within El Universal, the oldest Mexican newspaper, passed away on November 13, 2008. At 84 years young, Taibo I, died of pneumonia in his adopted home of Mexico City.

At age 10, Taibo and his family were exiled from Spain, only to return and be exiled a second time. During the 1950's Taibo journeyed to Mexico and became a naturalized citizen. Starting out as a journalist for the newspaper El Comercio Spaniard, Taibo became involved with a circle of intellectual friends and became an important figure in the cultural field of journalism. Last May, Taibo received the Mexican National Award for Journalism marking his entire career path for his contribution to Cultural Journalism. He also received high honors at the 2004 Guadalajara International Book Fair. In 2006, the Spanish Government awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit through the embassy in Mexico City.

Taibo is the author of over 50 novels, such as Leak, Flower of Stupidity, and To Stop the Waters of Oblivion. He is the father of Paco Ignacio Taibo II (also a writer), and Carlos Taibo, a movie producer. Below you can find a listing of titles by both Taibo I and II that are available at this time.