Alberto del Solar

Biography

Alberto del Solar Navarrete was born on October 2, 1859, in Santiago, Chile, to Domingo del Solar Quiroga and Virginia Navarrete Padilla. He pursued his humanities education at the prestigious Instituto Nacional before the outbreak of the War of the Pacific interrupted his studies. Like many young Chilean men of his generation, del Solar interrupted his education to enlist in the army as an officer, serving with distinction and returning from the conflict with the rank of captain. This military experience would later provide material for his autobiographical work 'Páginas de mi diario de campaña.'

Following his military service, del Solar embarked on a diplomatic career that took him across Europe and eventually to Argentina. In 1886, he was appointed as military attaché to the Chilean legation in Spain, serving under notable figures including Admiral Patricio Lynch and historian José Toribio Medina. During his time in Madrid, he was honored with membership in the Association of Spanish Writers and Artists, whose president was the renowned poet Gaspar Núñez de Arce. He later served in the Chilean diplomatic mission in Paris, gaining valuable European cultural exposure that influenced his literary development.

In 1890, del Solar settled permanently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he established himself as both a writer and a respected member of the intellectual community. Throughout his career, he contributed to magazines and newspapers under the pseudonym 'Abel del Sorralto,' writing novels, travel books, essays, poetry, and theatrical works. His notable works include the novels 'Rastaquouère' (1890), 'Contra la marea' (1894), and 'Huincahual,' as well as the travel book 'De Castilla a Andalucía.' He became a corresponding member of the Royal Spanish Academy, recognizing his contributions to Spanish-language literature. Del Solar died in Buenos Aires on August 9, 1921, having bridged Chilean and Argentine literary cultures.

Major Works & Series

Literary Significance & Legacy

Alberto del Solar represents the tradition of soldier-writers who combined military service with literary pursuits, providing unique perspectives on war, diplomacy, and cultural exchange in 19th-century Latin America. His autobiographical works on the War of the Pacific offer valuable historical testimony, while his novels explore themes of social mobility and cultural identity relevant to the rapidly changing societies of Chile and Argentina. His use of the pseudonym 'Abel del Sorralto' allowed him to experiment with different literary voices and genres.

Del Solar's significance lies in his role as a cultural bridge between Chile and Argentina, and between Latin America and Europe. His diplomatic service and extensive travels provided him with a cosmopolitan perspective that enriched his writing and allowed him to compare different societies and cultures. His membership in prestigious literary organizations, including correspondence with the Royal Spanish Academy, demonstrates the international recognition of his contributions to Spanish-language literature during a formative period of Latin American cultural development.

Best Starting Points

• Páginas de mi diario de campaña
  Essential autobiographical account of the War of the Pacific from a Chilean officer's perspective
• Contra la marea
  Representative novel exploring social themes and cultural tensions in late 19th-century society
• De Castilla a Andalucía
  Travel narrative showcasing del Solar's observational skills and cultural insights
• Don Manuel Dorrego
  Historical essay demonstrating his analytical approach to biographical writing

Famous Characters

• The Young Officer
  Del Solar's autobiographical persona as a Chilean military officer experiencing war and its aftermath
• The Cultural Observer
  His role as diplomatic witness to European society and cultural developments
• The Expatriate Writer
  His identity as Chilean intellectual settled in Argentina, bridging two literary cultures
• Abel del Sorralto
  His pseudonymous identity allowing for literary experimentation and social commentary
• The Historical Chronicler
  His function as documenter of significant military and political events
• The Diplomatic Correspondent
  His perspective as Chilean representative observing European politics and culture