Max Puertas Alarcón (Loja, Ecuador, December 17, 1935 – Machala, Ecuador, July 22, 2016) was an Ecuadorian lawyer, judge, writer, and cultural figure. Known for his integrity in the legal field, he held various roles, including judge, where he was celebrated for his ethical standards. He was also an active contributor to Ecuadorian literature, authoring works such as Historia del pequeño Miguel Ángel (2002), an autobiographical work depicting early 20th-century life in Loja and Portovelo.
Literary Career
Max Puertas Alarcón was an influential figure in Loja’s literary scene. He began his career collaborating on student publications like Espigas and Baluarte alongside Alfredo Jaramillo Andrade. Later, he became a member of the Círculo Nueve literary group, contributing to the magazine Círculo Nueve. His most notable work, Historia del pequeño Miguel Ángel (2002), is an autobiographical work set in Loja and Portovelo. He was also featured in anthologies like Loja en la poesía (2014) and Cantos a Guayaquil (2011).
Personal Life
Max Puertas Alarcón spent much of his later life in Machala, Ecuador, where he was well-known for his legal career and literary contributions. Despite his declining eyesight, particularly after 2014, he remained engaged with the local community, often seen walking through the city with his signature beret. He was known for his intellectual discussions with friends, which ranged from law to literature. His personal library, which he could no longer read in his final years, stood as a testament to his lifelong passion for knowledge and culture.
Death and Legacy
Max Puertas Alarcón passed away on July 22, 2016, in Machala, Ecuador. His legacy remains significant in both legal and literary circles. As a lawyer and judge, he was celebrated for his ethical standards and commitment to justice. In the literary realm, his work, including Historia del pequeño Miguel Ángel (2002) and his contributions to anthologies like Loja en la poesía (2014) and Cantos a Guayaquil (2011), left a lasting impact on Ecuadorian literature, particularly in highlighting the cultural and social landscapes of Loja.
Selected Works
- Historia del pequeño Miguel Ángel (2002)
- Verano (1982)
- Librolibre (1989)
He was also featured in these anthologies:
- Cantos a Guayaquil (2011)
- Loja en la poesía (2014)
References
- Google Books, Librolibre by Max Puertas Alarcón. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Crónica, “Alfredo Jaramillo Andrade, poeta de la luz y la armonía.” Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Fidel Maldonado Blog, “Primer aniversario de fallecido.” Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Facebook, “La trascendencia del Dr. Max Puertas Alarcón…” Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Biblioteca Municipal de Cuenca, “Verano” by Max Puertas Alarcón. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.
- Issuu, Impreso 23 07 16 by Diario Opinión. Retrieved on October 24, 2024. Click to view.