Launch of the First Isabel Polanco International Essay Prize

The Fundación Santillana,launched, in collaboration with the Guadalajara International Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara - FIL), the Isabel Polanco International Essay Prize on December 17 in Madrid. The award recognizes work of excellence in the field of essay and the theme of this, the first award, is the Bicentenary of Latin American Independence.

Emiliano Martínez, president of the Grupo Santillana, said that the award was conceived as a "tribute to the memory of Isabel and reflected the passions to which she dedicated her life, namely books and the Ibero-American world." Isabel Polanco, CEO of Grupo Santillana over the past 12 years, died in March, 2008.

The prize is worth 100,000 dollars and comes with a commemorative sculpture by the artist Martín Chirino. It is open to original work submitted to Santillana or the Universidad de Guadalajara before May 15, 2009. In the future, the award will recognize work on other subjects which shed light on history and currents in 21st-century thought.

The jury is headed by the renowned Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes and will be composed of five members, who will vary from year to year, from the world of culture. Gonzalo Celorio, secretary of the Mexican Academy of Language (Academia de la Lengua Mexicana), is jury secretary.

The result will be announced on September 10 in Guadalajara and the winning book will be presented at the city's book fair and published by Taurus and distributed throughout Latin America, Spain and the US.

Further information is available for candidates at:  www.premioisabelpolanco.com