Calderón de la Barca was a prominent Spanish playwright and poet of the Golden Age, born in 1600 and passing away in 1681. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of comedia nueva, a form of Spanish drama that blends elements of tragedy and comedy. His works often explore themes of honor, love, and the complexities of human nature. Throughout his career, Calderón wrote over 200 plays, with notable works including La vida es sueño and El alcalde de Zalamea. His influence on Spanish literature is significant, and he is regarded as one of the greatest dramatists in the Spanish language, alongside Lope de Vega.