Andanzas de un liberal queretano: Hilarión Frías y Soto

Abstract

Characterizing a person is difficult, especially when it comes to someone who played multiple roles in life. This is clearly the case of Hilarión Frías y Soto (1831-1905), who was a journalist, man of letters, polemicist, and member of the legislature. His activities contributed to forging the fledgling nation. In his newspaper articles and literary works he criticized the excesses of society, politics, and institutions. Rabid in his political convictions, he staunchly defended liberal precepts while he remained honest and sensible in his reflections. As a member of the lower house of the legislature, he introduced several bills. Most of his life was devoted to writing, which earned him respect among his nineteenth-century colleagues. Therefore, it is high time to do away with his overly modest description of himself as “the most insignificant writer” to put him in proper historical perspective.