Salvador Brau y Asencio (January 11, 1842 – November 5, 1912) was a Puerto Rican journalist, poet, dramatist, novelist, historian, and sociologist.

He wished to continue his education in an institute of higher learning[3] and thus went to Spain in 1861 where he attended the University of Barcelona, earning a degree in Letters.

He then moved back to Spain where he investigated the historical documents pertaining to Puerto Rico's past.

Brau, however, claims that the authentic Puerto Rican danza was a popular creation that emerged in the 19th century.

Brau continued to be politically active and in 1903 was named Official Historian of Puerto Rico by the American-appointed governor William Henry Hunt.

[3] A partial list of Brau's written works:[5] The town of San Juan honored him with a park and a statue.