Alberto Blest Gana was a Chilean writer born on April 1, 1830, in Santiago, Chile. He is best known for his novels that depict the social and political life of Chile during the 19th century. His most famous work, El Loco Estero, explores themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of the Chilean society of his time. Blest Gana was also a diplomat and served in various government positions throughout his life. He played a significant role in the development of Chilean literature and is considered one of the pioneers of the realist movement in Latin America. He passed away on December 19, 1920.