Tsvetan Todorov, a Bulgaria-born French philosopher and intellectual, was awarded the prestigious Prince of Asturias award on June 18, Dnevnik daily reported.

The prize is bestowed annually in Spain during a special ceremony in Oviedo, the capital of the principality of Asturias. The recipients are usually recognised for their great achievements in the sciences, humanities or public affairs.

Todorov was born in 1939 in Sofia, but since 1963 he has lived in Paris, France. He has published a total of 21 books, and his main contribution is the advancement of literary theory, thought history and culture theory.

Some of his most notable books include The Poetics of Prose (1971), Facing the Extreme: Moral Life in the Concentration Camps (1991) and Imperfect Garden: The Legacy of Humanism (2002). His books have been translated into 25 languages.

The main focus of Todorov's historical interest has touched on themes such as concentration camps and the conquest to the Americas. In recent years, the philosopher has been exploring the effects of colonial xenophobia, totalitarianism and how we treat others.

Todorov has taught at several universities such as Harvard, Yale and University of California, Berkeley.

The Prince of Asturias award was first presented in 1981. In addition to the 50 000 euro, the recipient also takes home a sculpture by Spanish sculptor Joan Miro.