Journalist, writer and politician. He was a liberal. He secretly married the Spanish infanta Josefina Fernanda de Bourbon, Francisco de Asís deof Bourbon’s sister (Francisco de Asís was married to Queen Isabel II) in 1848.  As a result, Güell and his wife had to go into exile (for four years).

Josep Güell studied law at the University in Barcelona (1840). He became government representative in Valladolid (1854-1856), after having participated with Espartero and O’Donnell to the revolt that overthrew Narvaez’ government. He participated in every protest movement after the 1868 Gloriosa Revolution.

He published in several newspapers: El Heraldo, El Clamor Público, El Tiempo, La América, Ilustración Española y Americana, Le Moniteur. He also wrote poetry, historical novels and theater.

Güell defended the abolition of slavery in Cuba and was senator at the University of La Habana in 1881.