Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973)

Chilean poet and diplomat. His work includes lyrics and the epic poem of the American continent Canto General (1950). He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. He served as consul and ambassador to many countries during the period 1927–44.

After World War II he entered political life in Chile as a communist, and was a senator 1945–48. He went into exile in 1948 but returned in 1952; he later became ambassador to France 1971–72.