Echegaray

José Echegaray y Eizaguirre (Madrid, April 19, 1832 – Madrid, September 4, 1916) was a Spanish civil engineer, mathematician, statesman, and one of the leading Spanish dramatists of the late 19th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1904, jointly with Frédéric Mistral, making him the first Spaniard to receive the prize.

Echegaray initially pursued a career in engineering, graduating from the School of Civil Engineering in Madrid. He held various engineering positions, including a professorship at the same school. He also became involved in politics, serving as Minister of Public Works and Minister of Finance at different times during the reign of King Amadeo I and the First Republic.

Despite his successful career in engineering and politics, Echegaray is best remembered for his dramatic works. He began writing plays in the 1870s and quickly gained popularity. His plays were characterized by their melodramatic plots, passionate characters, and exploration of themes such as honor, love, and sacrifice. He is considered a key figure in the development of modern Spanish drama.

Some of his most notable plays include O locura o santidad (Either Madness or Saintliness), El gran Galeoto (The Great Galeoto), and Mariana. These works were translated and performed internationally, contributing to his recognition as a significant European playwright.

Echegaray's writing style was often criticized for its exaggerated emotionalism, but his plays were undeniably successful in engaging audiences and sparking debate. He remained a prolific writer throughout his life, producing a large body of work that reflects the social and political concerns of his time.