The Spanish lyric poet Gustavo Adolfo Dominguez Bécquer (1836-1870) is noted for his Rimas, a collection of short lyric poems. This work had such a profound influence that it is considered the starting point of Spanish contemporary poetry.

Gustavo Bécquer was born in Seville on Feb. 17, 1836. Orphaned when he was 11, he went to live with his godmother, whose extensive library and affectionate care encouraged an early love for poetry and music. In 1852 he began to study at his uncle's art studio. Painting, however, did not suit Bécquer's introspective temperament. A shy, painfully sensitive boy, he preferred to walk alone, delve into folklore and art, and consort with other young poets. In 1854, against the wishes of his godmother, he went to Madrid in search of literary fame.

But fame was not forthcoming, and Bécquer had to turn to journalism. He translated...