Benito Pérez Galdós He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, on May 10, 1843, and was a famous playwright, chronicler and novelist, who was part of the circle of representatives of 19th century realism, being considered one of the most important writers of the Spanish language throughout history.
Son of Sebastian Perez Y Dolores Galdos, his first studies were carried out in the College of San Agustín, where from a very young age he demonstrated extraordinary creativity. In 1862, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of his town, where he was a student of great celebrities, such as Valeriano Fernandez, Francisco de Paula Canalejas, Francisco Giner de los Ríos, Adolfo Camús Y Fernando de Castro.
It was at that time when he began to participate in different circles of intellectuals, where he met several of his colleagues who would inspire him to begin his work. At the same time, he was a columnist for the newspaper “The nation“,”The debate“, and the “Journal of the European Intellectual Movement“.
Regarding his personality, it is known that the Spanish artist was a very shy person, so he liked to go unnoticed. For this reason he always wore inconspicuous clothing, and he always showed little interest in fashion. In addition, it is known that very short hair was used.
Despite his introverted personality, he had a prodigious memory, which allowed him to recall in detail what he experienced a long time ago, giving him the most important thing a writer should have, the power of observation.
His personal life was jealously guarded by the writer, so little is known about it. After an affair with Lorenza Cobian, had a daughter in the year 1891, although the mother committed suicide shortly after.
The style of Galdos for writing, it shows a remarkable sensitivity to popular language, making it easy to read for all audiences. Dialogues stand out in almost every scene, making his writing look much more real. In addition, he denoted a lot of humor and irony in the description of his characters who, at times, became somewhat childish and vulgar.
In 1912 he was a candidate for the “Nobel Prize in Literature“, although their political differences with the Swedish Academy they prevented him from getting the decoration.
Over time, the European artist began to suffer from problems with his eyesight, for which he was completely blind. In 1919, a sculpture of his was presented for his work, for which he showed great pride and joy, which made him show his emotion in public by shedding tears in gratitude.
On January 4, 1920, he died at his residence in Madrid. Around 20,000 people attended his funeral, who painfully accompanied the coffin to the Almudena cemetery, where he was buried.
In his work, a large number of novels stand out, among which we can name: “The Golden Fountain“,”Perfect Lady“,”Leon Roch’s family“,”Marianela“,”The disinherited“,”Torment“,”The meek friend“,”Fortunata and Jacinta“,”Meow“,”Nazarin“,”Halma“,”Mercy” Y “Grandpa“But also, he had his foray into the theater, for which he wrote several hits, such as:”Who does wrong, do not wait well“,”The kick of the Moorish“,”A young man of profit“,”Those of San Quintin“,”Love and science“,”Celia in hell“,”Saint Joan of Castile“,”Anton Caballero“,”Mariucha” Y “Stingy Solomon“, among others.
He also wrote several essays, called miscellanies, among which the following stand out: “Chronicles of Portugal“,”Memoranda, articles and stories“,”The novel on the tram“,”Social physiognomies“,”Toledo. Its history and its legend“,”Travels and fantasies“,”Chronicle 1883 to 1886” Y “Memories“.