GALLEGOS (FREIRE), RMULO

born Aug. 2, 1884, Caracas died April 4, 1969, Caracas novelist and president of Venezuela in 1948, best known for his forceful novels that dramatize the overpowering natural aspects of the Venezuelan llanos (prairies), the local folklore, and such social events as alligator hunts. Gallegos won an international reputation as one of the leading novelists of South America with Doa Brbara (1929; Eng. trans., 1931), the story of the ruthless woman boss of a hacienda who is more than a match for the criminals, desperadoes, and opportunists who exploit the raw country. Other major novels are: Cantaclaro (1934; Chanticleer), dealing with a ballad singer of the llanos, and Canaima (1935), a story of the tropical forest, named after the evil spirit that pervades the jungle. Other important works were Pobre negro (1937; Poor Black), El forastero (1942; The Stranger), Sobre la misma tierra (1943; Over the Same Ground), La rebelin y otros cuentos (1947; The Rebellion and Other Stories), and La brizna de paja en el viento (1952; A Straw in the Wind). He also wrote several screenplays. In 1936 Gallegos began a political career that eventually led to his inauguration to the presidency of Venezuela in February 1948. His government was overthrown by a military coup in November 1948, however, and he was sent into exile, but he subsequently returned in 1958 and was voted life membership in the Senate.