Don Pedro Caldern [Paperback]

This book was the first scholarly biography of Spain's most important early modern dramatist to be published in English.In this scholarly biography of Calder?n in English, Don Cruickshank uses his command of the archival sources and his unparalleled understanding of Calder?n's work to chart his life and his political, literary and religious contexts. This will long remain the key work of reference on this important author.In this scholarly biography of Calder?n in English, Don Cruickshank uses his command of the archival sources and his unparalleled understanding of Calder?n's work to chart his life and his political, literary and religious contexts. This will long remain the key work of reference on this important author.Don Pedro Calder?n de la Barca (160081) is Spain's most important early modern dramatist. His varied career as a playwright, courtier, soldier and priest placed him at the heart of Spanish culture, and he reflected on contemporary events in his plays, most famously La vida es sue?o (Life is a Dream). In this scholarly biography of Calder?n in English, Don Cruickshank uses his command of the archival sources and his unparalleled understanding of Calder?n's work to chart his life and his political, literary and religious contexts. In addition, the book includes much fresh research into Calder?n's writings and their attributions. This elegant, erudite work will bring Calder?n to a new audience both within and beyond Spanish studies. With illustrations, extensive notes and a detailed index, this is the most comprehensive English-language book on Calder?n, and it will long remain the key work of reference on this important author.Preface; Illustrations; Abbreviations; Note on measurements, currency, translations and dates; 1. The birthplace: Madrid in 1600; 2. The family background; 3. Childhood and early adolescence; 4. A turning-point; 5. A talent discovered by accident; 6. Letters, not arms; 7. Blasphemy, sacrilege and l?se-majest?; 8. Lessons for clã#