Estanislao Del Campo

Was Estanislao Del Campo truly a man of contradictions? Here at the Estanislao Del Campo library, we unravel the life of this complex figure. Estanislao Del Campo, born in Buenos Aires in 1834, was a poet, soldier, journalist, and government official. The library bearing his name offers a quiet space to reflect on his multifaceted life. Estanislao Del Campo was born into a patrician, Unitarian family. He fought against Urquiza’s forces, defending Buenos Aires. He rose through the military ranks, becoming a captain in 1861 and a colonel in 1874. All while pursuing his literary passions. Estanislao Del Campo’s pen was as sharp as his sword. He wrote for newspapers, wielding his wit and humor in support of liberal causes. He began writing romantic poetry in 1855. Just two years later, he published “Décimas,” a gaucho poem written in the style of Hilario Ascasubi. His most famous work, “Fausto,” was published in 1866. Estanislao Del Campo attended a performance of Gounod’s opera “Faust.” Inspired, he reimagined the story through the eyes of Anastasio el Pollo, a rough-and-tumble gaucho. “Fausto,” a 1,278-line poem, is a brilliant blend of gaucho life, earthy humor, and a satirical look at urban culture. Estanislao Del Campo even has a town named after him in Formosa Province. Though a small cotton-producing town, its very existence adds another layer to the legacy of this remarkable man. At the Estanislao Del Campo library, his words live on. A testament to a life intertwined with the arts, politics, and the spirit of Argentina. He died in Buenos Aires in 1880 at the young age of 46.