US author Richard Ford wins Spanish literature prize

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FILE - This is a Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 file photo of American novelist and short story writer, Richard Ford, as he poses during a photo call at the 39th American Film Festival, in Deauville, Normandy, western France. U.S. writer Richard Ford, author of the widely acclaimed novel “Independence Day,” has won Spain\'s prestigious Asturias prize for literature in recognition of his contribution to American letters. The award foundation Wednesday June 15, 2016 described Ford, 72, as the “great chronicler of the mosaic of interrelated stories that is North American society,” and the considered heir to U.S. literary giants, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)

MADRID – U.S. writer Richard Ford, author of the widely acclaimed novel “Independence Day,” has won Spain’s prestigious Asturias prize for literature in recognition of his contribution to American letters.

The award foundation Wednesday described Ford, 72, as the “great chronicler of the mosaic of interrelated stories that is North American society,” and the considered heir to U.S. literary giants Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner.

The foundation highlighted Ford’s sobriety, precision and extreme frugality of style.

Among Ford’s most popular works is the four-book series centred on the character of a failed writer, Frank Bascombe, which includes “The Sportswriter” and the Pulitzer-prize winning “Independence Day.”

The 50,000-euro ($54,300) award is one of eight Asturias prizes handed out yearly by a foundation named for Crown Princess Leonor.

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