HURTADO DE MENDOZA, DIEGO. — Scholar and statesman, born in Granada in 1503, died in Madrid on 14 August 1575. He studied in Spain and Italy. From 1539 to 1547 he served as Spanish ambassador in Venice, where he collected books and manuscripts, especially Greek ones, which he later bequeathed to the Escorial Library. In 1545 he represented Charles V at the Council of Trent. In 1547 he was ambassador to Rome and governor of Siena. He served in the War of Granada (1568).
A learned humanist, he composed poetry, imitating now Italian styles and now the ancient Spanish manner, as well as prose works. Many were falsely attributed to him. Certainly his is the *Guerra de Granada*, which recounts the Morisco revolt and in which the humanistic style is intertwined with vivid details and personal accents of resolute impartiality.