love of country life is manifested in the masterly contrast between the healthy fields and the corrupt, squalid cities. Pereda's fame was now established; the statutes of the Spanish Academy, which require members to reside at Madrid, were suspended in his favor (1896). But his literary career was over. The death of his eldest son, the disastrous campaign in Cuba and the Philippines (during the Spanish–American War), darkened his closing years, and his health failed long before his death. Pereda belongs to the native realistic school of Spain, which, founded by the unknown author of Lazarillo de Tormes, was continued by Mateo Alemán, Miguel de Cervantes, Francisco de Quevedo and many others. He saw, knew, understood character; he created not only types, but living personages, such as Andres, Cleto and Muergo in Sotileza, Pedro Juan and Pilara in La Puchera; and he personified the tumult and calm of the sea with more power than Víctor Hugo displayed in Les Travailleurs de la mer. References External links 1833 births 1906 deaths People from the Besaya Valley Spanish monarchists Writers from Cantabria Carlists Members of the Royal Spanish Academy Spanish male novelists 19th-century Spanish novelists