Edgar Freire Rubio (Quito, June 3, 1947) is an Ecuadorian writer, historian, anthologist, and renowned bookseller. Born in the historic San Roque neighborhood, Freire dedicated over four decades to promoting Ecuadorian literature and preserving the cultural memory of Quito through his work as a bookseller and writer. His publications, including the multi-volume Quito: Tradiciones, Leyendas y Nostalgia and El derecho y el revés de la memoria, combine meticulous historical research with a passion for storytelling. A self-taught scholar and advocate for the literary arts, Freire has been celebrated as “the bookseller of the city” and is regarded as a vital figure in the preservation of Ecuador’s cultural heritage.
Early Life and Education
Edgar Freire Rubio was born on June 3, 1947, in Quito, Ecuador, specifically in the San Roque neighborhood, a historic area known for its vibrant cultural and social history. The son of Carlos Alberto Freire, a craftsman dedicated to fine footwear, and Dolores Rubio, a storyteller who nurtured Edgar’s love for Ecuadorian traditions and legends, he grew up surrounded by stories that would later influence his literary and cultural pursuits. He attended the Normal Juan Montalvo, where he graduated as a Bachelor of Education in 1965. Although trained as a teacher, Freire chose a different path, one deeply rooted in books and history.
Professional Journey
Freire’s entry into the world of books began at the Librería CIMA in 1965, under the mentorship of Luis Carrera. Initially hired for clerical tasks, he was inspired by Carrera’s belief that a bookstore could be a university in itself. Freire immersed himself in reading and learning, interacting with notable Ecuadorian authors like Jorge Icaza, Alfredo Pareja Diezcanseco, and Benjamín Carrión. Over time, he became a celebrated bookseller, historian, and writer. His career extended to the Librería Española and later, to second-hand bookstores, earning him the title “Librero de la Ciudad.”
Freire supplemented his self-taught knowledge with formal training, attending courses on library organization, public relations, and business administration. His expertise and dedication made him a key figure in Ecuador’s literary scene, frequently contributing to newspapers and cultural magazines, including El Comercio, La Hora, and Últimas Noticias.
Literary Contributions
Edgar Freire Rubio is recognized for his extensive work in preserving Quito’s cultural and historical heritage. His publications include compilations of legends, traditions, and anecdotes of the city, such as the multi-volume Quito: Tradiciones, Leyendas y Nostalgia and El derecho y el revés de la memoria, Quito tradicional y legendario. These works combine meticulous historical research with the storytelling flair passed down from his mother, Dolores. His role as an anthologist and cultural historian has been pivotal in documenting Ecuadorian folklore and urban memory.
Freire’s career as a writer also saw him author books like El libro nacional: ese desconocido and Desde el mostrador del librero, reflecting on his experiences as a bookseller and the literary trends in Ecuador. His writings emphasize the social and historical context of Quito and its people, making them invaluable resources for understanding the city’s identity.
Legacy and Impact
Known for his sharp wit and passion for books, Freire’s influence extends beyond his publications. He advocated for the importance of bookstores as social and cultural hubs, often remarking that “a country is measured by its libraries and bookstores.” His efforts to promote reading and preserve Ecuador’s literary heritage earned him widespread respect. Freire was a member of the editorial boards of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and DINEDICIONES and contributed regularly to literary reviews.
Personal Life
Freire is the father of three children: Susana Andrea Freire García, a writer and cultural manager; Edgar Freire García, a biologist; and Daniela Belén Freire García. Despite separating from his wife, Freire maintains a close bond with his family. His routine reflects his love for simplicity and intellectual pursuits, often reading or walking the streets of Quito, the city he profoundly cherishes.
Recognitions and Accolades
Edgar Freire Rubio’s contributions have been widely recognized. He won third place in the Alicia Yánez Cossío Children’s Literature Contest in 2005 and was a candidate for the Ibero-American Bookseller Merit Award. His influence as a cultural figure and bookseller has been celebrated by peers and readers alike, who consider him a vital custodian of Ecuador’s literary memory.
Selected Works
- Quito: Tradiciones, Leyendas y Nostalgia (Five Volumes, 1987–1993)
- El derecho y el revés de la memoria, Quito tradicional y legendario (2006)
- Desde el mostrador del librero (Three Volumes, 1990, 1992, 1996)
- En esas viejas librerías (1993)
- El Barrio de los Prodigios (1990, reissued in 1998)
- El libro nacional: ese desconocido (1987)
References
- Wikipedia. Edgar Freire Rubio. Retrieved on December 28, 2024. Click to view.
- El Comercio. Édgar Freire: ‘Un país se mide por su cantidad de librerías.’ Retrieved on December 28, 2024. Click to view.
- El Telégrafo. La memoria prodigiosa del ‘librero de la ciudad.’ Retrieved on December 28, 2024. Click to view.
- Me Pronuncio. Edgar Freire Rubio: “El librero de la ciudad” y su afición por las historias quiteñas. Retrieved on December 28, 2024. Click to view.
Image Source
- Image source: SoundCloud. Interview with Edgar Freire Rubio – First Part. Retrieved on December 28, 2024. Click to view.