The book presents a detailed chronicle of Portuguese literature, tracing its origins from the early twelfth century to the golden age of the sixteenth century. The author examines the vernacular lyrical poetry preserved in the Vatican Library and the Cancioneiros, analyzing the unique cossantes and the influence of Provençal troubadours. The historical narrative progresses through the development of Portuguese prose, beginning with early religious texts, royal genealogies, and the monumental chronicles of Fernam Lopez, who brought rigorous accuracy and psychological depth to historical writing.
The volume explores the Breton cycle and the evolution of chivalric romances, investigating the complex origins of the Amadis romance and its place within Iberian literature. Attention is given to the Cancioneiro Geral, edited by Garcia de Resende, which documents the courtly verse and shifting cultural tastes of the fifteenth century. The study covers the dramatic genius of Gil Vicente, whose farsas and religious autos bridged mediaeval traditions and Renaissance drama with unmatched realism and lyrical grace.
The final sections detail the rise of pastoral poetry and the Italianate movement spearheaded by Francisco de Sá de Miranda. The author analyzes the works of Bernardim Ribeiro, Antonio Ferreira, and Diogo Bernardez, highlighting how these writers refined the poetic medium while remaining faithful to the Portuguese language. Throughout the work, the text emphasizes the tension between indigenous popular traditions and foreign humanistic influences.
The narrative concludes by assessing the maturity of Portuguese letters on the eve of the 1580 political crisis. The author demonstrates how the literature of Portugal, despite periods of neglect, achieved a distinct national character that matched the epic scale of the nation's maritime discoveries.
