Enrique Jardiel Poncela (1901–52) was a Spanish playwright, novelist, and humorist known for absurdist, intellectual comedy that diverged from traditional Spanish humor.
Born in Madrid, he studied at the University of Madrid, developing a passion for literature. He began with short stories and essays before transitioning to theater and novels, blending wit, satire, and surrealism.
His notable novels include Amor se escribe sin hache (1928, Love Is Written Without an H,) Pero… ¿hubo alguna vez once mil vírgenes? (1931, But… Were There Ever Eleven Thousand Virgins?,) and La tournée de Dios (1932, God’s Tour,) showcasing his playful language and unconventional storytelling. His short story collections, El libro del convaleciente (1929, The Convalescent’s Book) and Pirulís de la Habana (1931, Lollipops from Havana,) highlight his unique comedic style.
Jardiel Poncela’s influential plays, including Una noche de primavera sin sueño (1927, A Sleepless Spring Night,) Eloísa está debajo de un almendro (1940, Eloísa Is Beneath the Almond Tree,) and Los ladrones somos gente honrada (1941, We Thieves Are Honest Folk,) are still performed today. His Hollywood experience in the 1930s, working on Spanish-language film adaptations, also shaped his dramatic techniques.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Enrique Jardiel Poncela
When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing.
—Enrique Jardiel Poncela
Topics: Writing, Effort, Authors & Writing
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