Cook Music Library Digital Exhibitions

Manuel Moreno Fraginals (Cuba, 1920-2001)

Photo: Manuel Moreno Fraginals 2

BIOGRAPHY

Historian

A leading social and economic historian, Manuel Moreno Fraginals transformed the study of slavery and the sugar economy of Cuba particularly, and the Caribbean more generally, introducing innovative approaches and methodologies. The influential El ingenio (The Sugarmill), first published in 1964, challenged conventional interpretations of Cuban history, highlighting the role of slaves in the making of the nation’s society. Isolated from the educational establishment within Cuba, he carried on with his research attaining international recognition. Moreno Fraginals drew upon intellectual acumen and international prestige to promote dialogue between Cuban and international scholars and students, particularly from the United States. Significant accolades in his professional career include the prestigious Clarence Haring Prize for El ingenio (1982) and the Honorary Member distinction (1988), both from the American Historical Association.







Photo: Manuel Moreno Fraginals 1

FOUNDATION & INSTITUTIONAL WEBSITES

Manuel Moreno Fraginals
















SELECTED WORKS BY MANUEL MORENO FRAGINALS AT IU BLOOMINGTON LIBRARIES

ONLINE AUDIO AND VISUAL RECORDINGS

Cuban historian Manuel Moreno Fraginals interviewed by Georgette M. Dorn. The PALABRA Archive/Hispanic Division/Library of Congress.

Motion Picture: La última cena [The Last Supper]/ director Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (1976). Based on El ingenio [The Sugarmill], by Manuel Moreno Fraginals, the film recounts a real event that took place on a Cuban sugar estate during Holy Week in the 18th century. 

La última cena, by Tomás Gutiérrez Ales (1976) [with English subtitles]


RELATED RESOURCES

Historical photographs of sugar mills in Matanzas, Cuba (1941). Frank M. Hohenberger Photograph Collection. Lilly Library, Indiana University. 

El ingenio: complejo económico social cubano del azúcar by Manuel Moreno Fraginals. Poster. UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library, Cuban Poster Collection

Collection of articles on Manuel Moreno Fraginals published in El País, Spain’s newspaper of record.


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