Audiobook Fitzmaurice-Kelly, James A History of Spanish Literature

This volume explores the evolution of Spanish literature, tracing its trajectory from the earliest anonymous monuments and liturgical dramas to the sophisticated artistic output of the Renaissance. The author examines the intricate interplay between indigenous Castilian traditions and external literary currents, specifically highlighting the influence of French, Provençal, and Italian models. Detailed attention is given to foundational texts such as the Poem of the Cid and the works of early chroniclers and poets, including Berceo and Juan Ruiz. The narrative follows the systematic development of prose under Alfonso the Learned, the flourishing of courtly verse during the fifteenth century, and the eventual triumph of Italianate metres championed by Boscán and Garcilaso. Throughout the study, the author analyzes the structural and linguistic transformations of the language, evaluating the contributions of key figures in poetry, history, and drama. The work concludes with an overview of the transitional phase leading into the mature classical period of the late sixteenth century, demonstrating how native vigor successfully absorbed foreign influences to forge a distinct national literature.