José Espasa was a notable Spanish publisher and businessman, best known for founding the Espasa Calpe publishing house in 1934. His work significantly contributed to the dissemination of knowledge in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly through encyclopedias and reference books. Espasa's publishing house became renowned for its comprehensive Encyclopedia Espasa, which remains a key resource for researchers and students. His commitment to quality and accessibility in publishing helped shape the landscape of Spanish literature and education during the 20th century.