1600-1681. Spanish dramatist and poet. After
the death of Lope de Vega in 1635, he was
considered to be the leading Spanish
dramatist. Most celebrated of the 118 plays
is the philosophical La Vida es sueno/Life is
a Dream 1635. Born in Madrid, Calderon
studied law at Salamanca (1613-19). In 1620
and 1622 he was successful in poetry contests
in Madrid; while still writing dramas, he
served in the army in Milan and the
Netherlands (1625-35). By 1636 his first
volume of plays was published and he had been
made master of the revels at the court of
Philip IV, receiving a knighthood in 1637. In
1640 he assisted in the suppression of the
Catalan rebellion. After the death of his
mistress he became a Franciscan in 1650, was
ordained in 1651, and appointed as a
prebendary of Toledo in 1653. As honorary
chaplain to the king in 1663, he produced
outdoor religious plays for the festival of
the Holy Eucharist. His works include the
tragedies El pintor de su deshonra/The
Painter of His Own Dishonour 1645, El Alcalde
de Zalamea/The Mayor of Zalamea 1640, and El
Medico de su honra/The Surgeon of His Honour
1635; the historical El Principe
constante/The Constant Prince 1629; and the
dashing intrigue La Dama duende/The Phantom
Lady 1629.