12 Facts About Rudolfo Anaya

Rudolfo Anaya's father, Martin Anaya, was a vaquero from a family of cattle workers and sheepherders.

Rudolfo Anaya grew up with two half-brothers, from his mother's previous marriage, and four sisters.

The beauty of the desert flatlands of New Mexico, referenced as the llano in Rudolfo Anaya's writings, had a profound influence on his early childhood.

Rudolfo Anaya's family relocated from rural New Mexico to Albuquerque in 1952, when he was in the eighth grade.

Rudolfo Anaya went on to complete two master's degrees at the University of New Mexico, one in 1968 for English and another in 1972 for guidance and counseling.

Rudolfo Anaya began writing his best-known work Bless Me, Ultima in 1963, with the manuscript completed and published by Quinto Sol in 1972.

Rudolfo Anaya traveled extensively through both China in 1984, and South America following his retirement.

Rudolfo Anaya subsequently created the Sonny Baca mystery series which included Zia Summer, Rio Grande Fall, Jalamanta: A Message from the Desert, and Shaman Winter.

Rudolfo Anaya published a number of books for children and young adults.

Rudolfo Anaya lived in Albuquerque, where each day he spent several hours writing.

Rudolfo Anaya died at his home on June 28,2020, at the age of 82.

Rudolfo Anaya had been suffering from a long illness in the time leading up to his death.