A Farewell to a Key Figure in Literature
The literary world is in mourning following the passing of Beatriz de Moura, at the age of 87, who was the founder and literary director of Tusquets. The news was confirmed by the publishing house itself, which paid tribute to her career in an emotional message posted on social media. Described as a brilliant and cosmopolitan woman, De Moura left an indelible mark on the Spanish publishing landscape.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1939, Beatriz moved to Catalonia during the 1960s, where she began her publishing career. Despite facing multiple obstacles, including early dismissals due to her personal style, her determination led her to create Tusquets in 1969. Inspired by historical events such as the moon landing and the famous albino gorilla Copito de Nieve, De Moura transformed her bold vision into a successful publishing house that would become a cultural benchmark.
Under her leadership, Tusquets published essential works by internationally renowned authors such as Milan Kundera, García Márquez, and Almudena Grandes. Her ability to connect with writers of the Latin American boom not only enriched the publisher's catalogue but also cemented her reputation as a visionary editor. In 2014, after decades at the helm of the imprint, Beatriz became honorary president while Juan Cerezo took on operational leadership.
Throughout her career, De Moura received numerous awards celebrating her contribution to the literary world. Among them are the Sant Jordi Award and the Gold Medal for Fine Arts. José Creuheras, president of Grupo Planeta, expressed his sorrow at the loss: “A brilliant and lucid editor who has been an example for all.” Her commitment to culture will endure thanks to the historical archive she donated to the National Library of Spain.
Despite her achieved success, Beatriz never forgot her humble beginnings or the difficulties faced during her youth. From temporary jobs to self-taught studies in translation, each experience forged her tenacious character. In her own words: “The obstacles strengthened me,” a mantra that will inspire future generations within the publishing field.
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