author
Manuel Bretón de los Herreros
1796–1873
A leading comic playwright of 19th-century Spain, he brought wit, rhythm, and sharp social observation to the stage. His hugely productive career helped make him one of the best-known dramatists of his time.
3 Audiobooks
Modern Poets and Poetry of Spain
by James Kennedy, Juan Bautista Arriaza, Manuel Bretón de los Herreros, José de Espronceda, Leandro Fernández de Moratín, José María Heredia, Tomás de Iriarte, Gaspar de Jovellanos, Francisco Martínez de la Rosa, Juan Meléndez Valdés, Manuel José Quintana, duque de Angel de Saavedra Rivas, José Zorrilla
Marcela, o ¿a cuál de los tres? : Comedia original en tres actos
by Manuel Bretón de los Herreros
Muérete ¡y verás...! : Comedia en cuatro actos
by Manuel Bretón de los Herreros
About the author
Born in Quel, La Rioja, on December 19, 1796, Manuel Bretón de los Herreros became one of Spain's most important comic playwrights. He was educated in Madrid, served in the military during the Peninsular War years, and later turned fully toward literature and journalism.
He wrote a remarkably large body of work, including nearly two hundred plays as well as poems and newspaper articles. His comedies were especially admired for their lively dialogue, theatrical skill, and humor, and works such as Marcela, o ¿a cuál de los tres?, Muérete y verás!, and La escuela del matrimonio remained closely associated with his reputation.
Bretón de los Herreros was also an important literary figure beyond the theater. He became a member of the Real Academia Española and held major cultural roles in Madrid, including service connected with the National Library. He died in Madrid on November 8, 1873, leaving behind a major place in the history of Spanish drama.