Literature

Spanish. The earliest literary work of Spain is the Poem of the Cid of the twelfth century. Following this, although somewhat later, the literature of Spain falls into two classes: that produced in court circles, usually poetry of the troubadour style; and what may be called the popular literature. The latter is of more interest than the former. Popular literature up to the middle of the sixteenth century consists of ballads, the lyrical and narrative poetry of the common people; chronicles, comprising The Chronicle of Spain and various records of persons and events; romances of chivalry; and dramas, that is, mysteries and miracle plays. About the middle of the sixteenth century, the mysteries, heretofore the only dramatic production, began to decline, and a form of drama arose, more original and more purely national than that of any other European nation except England. The names that are prominent in connection with Spanish drama are Lope de Rueda, Lope de Vega, and Calderon. In fiction we need mention only Cervantes, by far the greatest name in Spanish literature. Spanish literature in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries has been greatly influenced by the French. Many writers have appeared but little of importance has been produced. See Drama; Troubadours; Cervantes; Don Quixote; Cid