Description
Florentino Pérez Embid
Book Summary
This exhaustive biography unveils the life and work of Florentino Pérez Embid (1918-1974), a key figure in 20th-century Spain. An advisor to Juan de Borbón, member of parliament, Director General of Information and Fine Arts, and professor of American History, his career was marked by his affiliation with Opus Dei starting in 1943. The reader will discover how this intellectual promoted young talent, managed the arrival of Picasso's Guernica in Spain, and directed Ediciones Rialp, all through previously unpublished documentation that sheds light on the lesser-known passages of his life.
What is it about?
The book reconstructs the life of Florentino Pérez Embid, from his origins to his death in 1974. It focuses on his role as an advisor to Juan de Borbón, his work as a deputy in the Francoist Cortes, and his tenure as Director General of Information and Fine Arts. The work explores his academic side as a professor of American History and rector of the Menéndez Pelayo International University, as well as his efforts to connect Spain with America and Europe. A common thread is his membership in Opus Dei, which influenced his way of working and his daily actions, as he was the first member of the organization to hold a high public office in 1951. The author, with access to archives and unpublished documentation, reveals episodes such as his support for Jesús de Polanco and Carmen Díez de Rivera, his negotiations to bring Picasso's Guernica to Spain, and his leadership of Ediciones Rialp and the magazine *Atlántida*.
Main Themes
- Biography of a 20th-century Spanish intellectual and political figure.
- History of Opus Dei and its influence on Spanish public life.
- Cultural and political management during the Franco regime.
- Relationships between Spain, America, and Europe in the post-war context.
- Promotion of young talent in the publishing and political spheres.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the contemporary history of Spain, especially the Franco period and the transition. It is ideal for those studying the role of Opus Dei in public life, as well as for historians, political scientists, and fans of biographies of influential figures. It will also be of interest to those who want to understand the inner workings of cultural and editorial management in 20th-century Spain.
What this book offers
- Access to unpublished documentation that clarifies unknown aspects of Pérez Embid's life.
- Detailed understanding of how Opus Dei influenced the career of one of its first members in the public administration.
- Historical context regarding Spain's relations with America and Europe during the dictatorship.
- Information on the management of cultural milestones such as the arrival of Picasso's Guernica in Spain.
- Perspective on the promotion of key figures such as Jesús de Polanco and Carmen Díez de Rivera.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Díaz Hernández, Onésimo
- Publisher: Ediciones Rialp S.A.
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Biography: General
- Collection: Books on Opus Dei
- Binding: Other
- Number of pages: 656
- Weight: 1054 g
Editorial Review
This is a rigorous and well-documented biography that fills a gap in the knowledge of a relevant yet little-known figure in 20th-century Spain. Access to unpublished archives provides added value, offering a nuanced view of his role in politics, culture, and his relationship with Opus Dei. It is a reference work for specialists and a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of Spain during that era.