Antonio de Trueba

Born in Montellano, in Biscay, on December 24, 1819, Antonio de Trueba became known as a Spanish poet, novelist, and folklorist. He was also popularly called Antón el de los Cantares, a nickname tied to the success of his verse and song collections.

As a young man he was sent to Madrid for a business career, but he eventually turned toward journalism and literature instead. Reference works and encyclopedia sources describe El libro de los cantares and El Cid Campeador among the works that brought him broad attention in the 1850s, and they note his gift for writing that appealed to a wide readership.

Trueba is often remembered for preserving and popularizing Basque traditions in literary form. His work blends storytelling, poetry, and folklore, making him a fitting choice for listeners interested in classic Spanish writing with a strong sense of place. He died in Bilbao on March 10, 1889.