Novo, Salvador, 1904-1974

Salvador Novo (b. July 30, 1904, Mexico City, Mexico–d. January 13, 1974, Mexico City, Mexico) was a Mexican writer, poet, playwright, translator, television presenter, entrepreneur, and the official chronicler of Mexico City. He was a member of Los Contemporáneos, a group of Mexican writers, as well as of the Mexican Academy of the Language. Novo defied the machismo and conservative Catholicism prevalent in 20th century Mexican culture by making almost no efforts to conceal his sexuality. In the government, he held official posts related to culture, was elected to the Mexican Language Academy, and had a television program on Mexico City's history. Novo was also known for his wit.