Benito Pé rez Galdó s was a novelist, journalist and politician of Canarian origin. He is considered one of the best representatives, worldwide, of the realist novel of the 19th century. A fundamental narrator of Spanish-language literature, he is possibly the greatest Spanish novelist after the universally recognized inventor of the genre: Miguel de Cervantes. Pé rez Galdó s was a true humanist and his life was dedicated almost entirely to his great passion, literature, with which he tried to address the problems of people of all social backgrounds. His compassionate and progressive attitude undoubtedly contributed to establish his position as one of the most respected and beloved figures in the Spanish society of his time.