Hernando Téllez facts for kids

Hernando Téllez (born March 22, 1908 – died 1966) was a talented Colombian journalist and writer. He was born and grew up in Bogotá. From a young age, Téllez started working in journalism. This became his main career. He worked for some of Colombia's most popular newspapers and magazines.

His name became more widely known in 1950. This was when he published his collection of short stories called Cenizas para el viento (which means Ashes for the Wind). His stories often mixed sad and funny parts. They showed how well he observed everyday life. They also showed the difficult reality of his home country.

Hernando Téllez's Career

During Hernando Téllez's life, Colombia went through tough times. There were several civil wars and military dictatorships. A civil war is when groups within the same country fight each other. A military dictatorship is when the army controls the government. Téllez also studied history. He knew about the past rebellions that changed the country. He even served in the Congress of Colombia, which is like the country's parliament.

His Most Famous Story

Perhaps Téllez's most famous work is his short story "Espuma y nada más." This title means "Lather and Nothing Else" or "Just Lather, That's All." Many high school students in America read this story when they are learning Spanish.

The story is about a barber who is secretly a rebel spy. One day, the captain of a military unit comes in for a shave. This captain has been hunting down and executing members of the local resistance. The barber has a big inner conflict. He thinks about killing the captain with his razor. But he also wants to give the captain the perfect shave he is known for.

In the end, the barber decides he does not want to be covered in blood. He only wants to be covered in soap lather, or "espuma y nada más." As the captain leaves, he reveals something surprising. He says he heard the barber might try to kill him. He came to the barber shop to see if it was true.

Hernando Téllez's Stories

• "Espuma y nada más" ("Lather and Nothing Else" or "Just Lather, That's All")
• Ashes for the Wind and Other Stories

See also

In Spanish: Hernando Téllez para niños

• "Razor", a short story by Vladimir Nabokov that is very similar to Espuma y nada más