Blanca de Gassó y Ortiz

Blanca de Gassó y Ortiz (26 November 1846 – 15 April 1877) was a 19th-century Spanish writer and poet.

Biography Blanca's father, Jacinto Gassó, was a merchant whose store, "El Bazar del Globo", was located on the lower floor of the family home. He maintained tight control over his daughter's life, although he allowed her to socialize in literary circles and work as a writer. The chroniclers of the time described Blanca as a tall, slender, blonde, and beautiful young woman, but her father scared away all her suitors.

Gassó became a widower on April 5, 1877. On April 8, he shot his daughter in the head with a revolver while she was sleeping and then did the same to himself, committing suicide. It was rumored that Blanca had fallen in love with a suitor and was willing to marry although Jacinto was vehemently opposed to courtship. Admitted to the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa in Madrid,

Career She published a (Salon Almanac) for some years and collaborated in some of Madrid's periodicals such as La Lira, La Garnalda, La Moda Elegante, El Bazar, and . She was a member of the (Association of Spanish Writers and Artists) and of the (Economic Society Matritense). She was the author of works such as (Crown of childhood: poetic readings and songs for children) (1867) and (One hundred songs to the eyes), in addition to dramatic pieces such as a praise to the (Two of May) (1873), and the comedy (The First Flight) and the tragedy .

Selected works El amigo de las damas : almanaque de salón y tocador para señoras y señoritas publicado para el año 1875 (1875) Corona de la infancia: lecturas poéticas y canciones para niños, 1867 (text) Cien cantares a los ojos (1871) (text) Dos de mayo: loa, 1873 (text) El primer vuelo Numancia