GUERRA JUNQUEIRO, ABÍLIO MANUEL. - Portuguese poet, b. at Freixo-de Espada-à-Cinta on 17 Sept. 1850, d. at Lisbon on 7 July 1923. He combined literary activity with politics (serving as deputy in various legislatures and as Portugal’s minister at Berne), but disillusionment led him to retire to his estate, where he also engaged in radio-biology.
His output, vivid and sonorous, exemplifies the rebellious and socially engaged poetry of the late 19th century. He was opposed to the Church, to the monarchy, and to Romantic conventions. Even the title of *A Velhice do Padre Eterno* (1885) was irreverent; in 1921 the author repudiated it and called it “abominable.” His *Oração ao Pão* (1902) and *Oração à Luz* (1903) are pantheistic in tone. In his later years he underwent a religious evolution that did not, however, culminate in reconciliation with the Church; yet he requested Catholic burial and an image of St Francis of Assisi on his coffin. Among his other works are *A Morte de D. João* (1874), *Finis Patriae* (1890), *Os Simples* (1892), and *Pátria* (1896).