Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935) was a major Portuguese writer, poet, and philosopher of the 20th century. He is best known for creating heteronyms, literary alter egos with distinct identities, writing styles, and worldviews. Among the most famous are Alberto Caeiro (a nature poet with a simple, direct style), Ricardo Reis (a stoic, classical poet), Álvaro de Campos (a modernist and futurist), and Bernardo Soares (the narrator of The Book of Disquiet, a philosophical and introspective work).
Pessoa’s central themes include identity, existentialism, and inner conflict. Though largely unknown during his lifetime, he is now recognized as one of Portugal’s greatest authors. His key works include The Book of Disquiet and Message.
