Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Lorca... Guess what we are talking about! The topic of our beloved cultural column is… Spanish literature, an overview of some of the greatest Spanish writers. All right, it was easy ahahahah. Actually, you surely know already some of the writers that we are going to mention, their works are famous all over the world. Nonetheless, we may add some new author and we may let you discover great novels. Are you ready for our journey in the amazing and fantastic world of literature?
We almost forgot an important question! How was your Christmas? Actually, we are a bit sad because the end of this magical period is almost gone and, in few days, we will have to get used to our shared flats without decorations. By the way, our Spanish Christmas has been amazing and the countdown for an even more Spanish New Years’ Eve has already begun.
Anyway, back to literature. As already mentioned, this blog post by helpMadrid will let you discover some of the best Spanish writers of all time. Take note, after this post you will surely need to visit some bookshop! Are you ready?
Lope de Vega
Let’s begin with one of the major writers of Spanish Golden Age (1492-1681), the playwright, poet, novelist and marine Lope de Vega. He is one of the greatest dramatists in Western Literature and he has been, undoubtedly, one of the most prolific ones. Do you know the nickname used by Cervantes? “The Phoenix of Wits” or “Monster of Nature”
Pedro Calderon de la Barca
Calderon de la Barca is our second writer. Actually, he has been a dramatist and a poet of the second cycle of Golden Age and Lope de Vega has inspired him. He was born in Madrid and, in Plaza Santa Ana, there is a statue to celebrate him. Why do we appreciate this author? His strengths are his capacity for poetic beauty, the dramatic structure and the philosophical depth of his works.
Miguel de Cervantes
Who does not know the creator of the great adventures of Sancho Panza and Don Quixote! This writer was born close to Madrid and, during his life, he has been a soldier of the Spanish Navy Marine, purchasing agent for the Spanish Armada and tax collector. He is one of the greatest Spanish writers and his satire of the romances of chivalry is not the only work that we should mention. Among his masterpieces, we should remember “Novelas Ejemplares”, “Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda” and “La Galatea”.
Federico García Lorca
Let’s talk now of more recent authors. Actually, the name of the first one is a very large name. Are you curious to know it? Lorca entire name was Federico del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús García Lorca! Well, back to serious things, he has introduced symbolism, futurism and surrealism into Spanish literature and he was a member of the group Generation of ’27, a group of poets. Actually, the life of this author is extremely interesting as much as the facts connected to his work: helpMadrid suggests you to read more about Lorca and his life.
Camilo José Cela
Our quickly overview is coming to an end. Last, but not least, we have to mention the last Spanish Nobel Prize in Literature (1989) "for a rich and intensive prose, which with restrained compassion forms a challenging vision of man's vulnerability". Cela has been a writer and essayist of the Generation ’36 movement. Some of his works that you have to read? “La Familia de Pascual Duarte”, “La colmena” or “Cristo versus Arizona”.
Where could you actually read the novels of these great writers? On the cosy couch of your shared flat! This is such a perfect plan to relax before the great New Year’s Eve party in the city centre…Imagine spending an entire day outside enjoying the city lights. Once you come back to your flat, you cook something warm and you take your blanket. This week is time to meet Don Quixote and, for few hours, you will leave your shared flat in Madrid city centre and you will fight with him against the windmills.
Well, it is time to say goodbye and have a walk. We still have to lose the weight we got during our big fat Christmas dinner. You, guys, stay tuned and do not miss our next posts about…
SPOILER ALERT
… New Year’s Eve Spanish traditions and the first agenda of 2019!
See you soon.
XOXO
helpMadrid team