Daily Life Depicted in the Cantigas de Santa Maria

by John E. Keller, Annette Grant Cash

Overview

The hundreds of illuminated miniatures found in the Cantigas de Santa Maria, sponsored by King Alfonso X (1252–84), reveal many vistas of daily life in thirteenth century Spain.

No other source provides such an encyclopedic view of all classes of medieval European society, from kings and popes to the lowest peasants. Men and women are seen farming, hunting, on pilgrimage, watching bullfights, in gambling dens, making love, tending silkworms, eating, cooking, and writing poetry, to name only a few of the human activities represented here.

Combining keen observation of detail with years of experience in the field, John Keller and Annette Grant Cash bring to life a world previously little explored.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813120508
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	10/29/1998
Series:	Studies in Romance Languages , #44
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

John E. Keller, professor emeritus of Spanish at the University of Kentucky, is coauthor of Iconography in Medieval Spanish Literature. Annette Grant Cash, visiting assistant professor of Spanish at Georgia State University, is the co-translator of Miracles of Our Lady by Gonzalo de Berceo.

Editorial Reviews

Winner of the 1999 SAMLA Studies Book Award.

From the Publisher

Analyzes a series of illuminated manuscripts commissioned by King Alfonso of Spain (1252-84) that created a record of daily life of his subjects not equaled elsewhere in Europe at the time. Shifts the focus from the clothing, architecture, and agriculture that have absorbed other scholars to look at the insights that may be gleaned concerning what people thought; what entertainment they enjoyed; what sins they committed; and how women, children, clergy, and law officials were viewed. Also explains how to read the color of the many depictions of miracles. Includes 70 color plates. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews