Kurtz, Carmen (1911–1999)

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Kurtz, Carmen (1911–1999)

Spanish children's writer. Name variations: Carmen de Rafael y Marés Kurtz. Born Carmen de Rafael y Marés in Barcelona, Spain, Sept 18, 1911; died 1999; m. Pedro Kurtz Klein, in 1935; children: one daughter.

Award-winning author, married and moved to France (1935), on eve of Spanish Civil War; returned to Spain (1943), during WWII; published 9 novels, using husband's surname (1954–64); turned to children's literature (1960s), often featuring the protagonist Oscar, who experienced a great variety of adventures, including espionage, space travel, and exploring the Himalayas. Won Lazarillo Prize (1964) and Children's Literature Prize of the Spanish Catholic Commission (1964, 1967).