Pedro Antonio de Alarcón was a Spanish writer born on March 10, 1833, in the city of Guadix, Granada. He is best known for his novels, short stories, and essays, which often explore themes of love, social issues, and the human condition. His most famous work is the novel El escuerzo, published in 1880, which reflects his keen observations of society. In addition to his literary contributions, Alarcón was also involved in politics and served as a diplomat. He held various positions, including that of a deputy in the Spanish Parliament. Alarcón passed away on July 19, 1891, leaving a significant impact on Spanish literature.