Luis de Lion

Luis de Lión, born José Luis de León Díaz (August 19, 1939 – June 6, 1984) was a Guatemalan writer kidnapped on May 15, 1984, by elements of Guatemalan Army intelligence, and henceforth "disappeared". His posthumous novel, El tiempo principia en Xibalbá (Time Commences in Xibalbá) is considered an important work in modern Central American literature.

Life and work Born into a Kaqchikel Maya family, his father's work as a policeman during the rule of dictator Jorge Ubico enabled him to receive basic education. He completed his studies in Guatemala City, graduating with a teaching certification in primary education.

Legacy Luis de Lión's literary reputation was established with the posthumous publication of his only novel, El tiempo principia en Xibalbá in 1985, in which he relates a Mayan worldview in contemporary language.

La Casa Museo Luis de Lión in San Juan del Obispo preserves the author's work and exhibits his personal effects, including books and notes, as well as maintaining the library that he founded in 1962.

In 2005, the government of Guatemala under president Óscar Berger officially acknowledged responsibility for the death of Luis de Lión.

Published works Los Zopilotes (cuentos) (Editorial Landivar, 1966) Su segunda muerte (cuentos) (Editorial Nuevo Siglo, 1970) Uno más uno (1974) Poemas del volcán de Agua (1980) Pájaro en mano. Certamen Permanente Centroamericano "15 de septiembre" (Editorial Serviprensa Centroamericana, 1985). El tiempo principia en Xibalbá (Editorial Serviprensa Centroamericana, 1985) La puerta del cielo y otras puertas (Editorial Artemis Edinter, 1998) Poemas del volcán de Fuego (Bancafé, 1998) Didáctica de la palabra (2002) Taller poesía (2002) El libro José (2002) Una experiencia poética (2007) Música de agua (2007)