Chronicle of Alfonso X (Studies in Romance Languages)

Alfonso X, the Wise (1221-1284), king of Castile and Leon from 1252 until his death, is particularly appreciated as a great patron of science and the arts in late medieval Spain. He sponsored and produced the intricately illuminated Cantigas de Santa Maria, providing an invaluable record of Spanish daily life in the thirteenth century while honoring his patron saint, Mary. In the fourteenth century, Alfonso XI commissioned the Cronica de Alfonso X to memorialize his grandfather. This book is the first and only translation into English (or any other language) of the Chronicle of Alfonso X. Here for the first time the original "clumsy Castilian" of Fernan Sanchez has been transformed into literate and agile English. Joseph O'Callaghan's authoritative introduction effectively places the Chronicle within its historical context, and his notes expand and elaborate upon the text.