The Harry Ransom Centre at the University of Texas has acquired the archive of Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

The university announced the news on November 23.

Although it did not specify the sum paid, it paid a reported $2m for the archive of Scottish writer Ian McEwan in May.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of the greatest writers of the 20th century

Marquez, who died in April of this year, is one of the best-known South American novelists of all time.

Bill Powers, president of the University of Texas at Austin, commented: "García Márquez is a giant of 20th-century literature whose work brims with originality and wisdom.

"The University of Texas at Austin — with expertise in both Latin America and the preservation and study of the writing process — is the natural home for this very important collection.

"Our students, our faculty and the state of Texas will benefit from it for years to come."

The collection features original manuscripts and other important artefacts from across his career.

For many in Colombia the sale is disappointing. Some academic and cultural figures are frustrated that the papers did not go to auction.

We have a fascinating selection of rare books and manuscripts available.

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