Julio Camba
Childhood
Julio Camba was born in 1884 and followed in his brother’s footsteps by devoting his life to the world of letters. If there was one thing that set him apart, it was his devotion for his hometown, to which he returned to unwind and enjoy moments of calm.
From a very young age he devoted himself to the world of letters. In fact, his older brother gave him the opportunity to contribute to some publications of that time such as La Idea Moderna (Lugo). From then on he would begin his prolific journalistic career.
Childhood
Julio Camba was born in 1884 and followed in his brother’s footsteps by devoting his life to the world of letters. If there was one thing that set him apart, it was his devotion for his hometown, to which he returned to unwind and enjoy moments of calm.
From a very young age he devoted himself to the world of letters. In fact, his older brother gave him the opportunity to contribute to some publications of that time such as La Idea Moderna (Lugo). From then on he would begin his prolific journalistic career.
Youth and anarchism
With a more turbulent life than that of his brother, as a teenager he ran away from home to embark as a stowaway on a ship to Argentina. In Buenos Aires –where he contributed some texts to Galician newspapers published in the city– he had his first direct contact with the Anarchist Movement. He even helped to organise the general strike of 1902. For this reason he was deported to Spain along with Adrián Troitiño, another Galician who had collaborated in this movement.
Shortly after his return he left for Madrid, like his brother, although he remained in direct contact with anarchism. In his first period in the Spanish capital he contributed to the newspaper Tierra y Libertad, and later founded his own publication together with Antonio Apolo, called El Rebelde.
National journalism
In 1905 he began working at El País and, two years later, joined España Nueva, where he was a parliamentary reporter. His texts stood out due to their brilliant prose, not without scepticism regarding the socio-political situation of that time.
In 1907 he was called to testify for his alleged involvement in the attack on Alfonso XIII on his wedding day, in which the anarchist Mateo Morral was the ringleader. After this episode he joined, as a correspondent in this case, La Correspondencia de España, with Istanbul as his first destination, where he covered the elections and change of regime.
After this period, he was signed by El Mundo to work as a correspondent in Paris and London, thereafter joining ABC, where he worked almost up to his death. At that time he was in charge of the newspaper’s correspondents in the main capitals of the Western world, such as Berlin, Rome or New York.
National journalism
In 1905 he began working at El País and, two years later, joined España Nueva, where he was a parliamentary reporter. His texts stood out due to their brilliant prose, not without scepticism regarding the socio-political situation of that time.
In 1907 he was called to testify for his alleged involvement in the attack on Alfonso XIII on his wedding day, in which the anarchist Mateo Morral was the ringleader. After this episode he joined, as a correspondent in this case, La Correspondencia de España, with Istanbul as his first destination, where he covered the elections and change of regime.
After this period, he was signed by El Mundo to work as a correspondent in Paris and London, thereafter joining ABC, where he worked almost up to his death. At that time he was in charge of the newspaper’s correspondents in the main capitals of the Western world, such as Berlin, Rome or New York.
Roots in Vilanova
Despite his constant travels, whenever he could, he returned to his native Vilanova to reconnect with his origins, with the townscapes and spots that he loved in his town. In fact, he spent the Spanish Civil War in the town, being, in some cases, strongly criticized for doing so. Some Madrid newspapers published angry mockery from his detractors, saying things like “Camba is hiding in Galicia, saying the rosary.” Opinions aside, Julio Camba took advantage of this almost obligatory parenthesis to reconnect with his childhood friends, such as Pepe Roig, to stroll along the promenade of O Cabo, enjoy a good swim at the beach of O Terrón –where he practiced nudism – or the gatherings at the Casino.
After the Spanish Civil War, he moved to Lisbon, where he fell ill, suffering from Ménière’s Syndrome. In 1945, he returned to Madrid and was forced to stop travelling, due to the strong symptoms of his illness, which prevented him from returning to his native Vilanova. In 1949, he took up residence at the Palace Hotel. In 1951 he was awarded the Mariano de Cavia prize and, for years, he was considered the best-paid journalist in Spain. He died in 1962 due to a stroke, at the age of 77.
Legacy
His articles, full of irony and humour, stood out for being a faithful reflection of his time. His work includes about thirty publications, many of which features articles published in various media outlets. Especially noteworthy is La casa de Lúculo o El arte de comer (1929), which is considered a reference work of gastronomic journalism. Also essential are other compilations of articles that were published in ABC, accompanied by caricatures by Lorenzo Goñi and Antonio Mingote.
Legacy
His articles, full of irony and humour, stood out for being a faithful reflection of his time. His work includes about thirty publications, many of which features articles published in various media outlets. Especially noteworthy is La casa de Lúculo o El arte de comer (1929), which is considered a reference work of gastronomic journalism. Also essential are other compilations of articles that were published in ABC, accompanied by caricatures by Lorenzo Goñi and Antonio Mingote.
