author
Juan Ruiz
1282–1349
Best known as the Archpriest of Hita, this medieval Castilian writer created The Book of Good Love, a lively, surprising work that mixes storytelling, satire, moral reflection, and comedy. Even centuries later, the poem still stands out for its humor, energy, and sharp eye for everyday life.
1 Audiobook
Clásicos Castellanos: Libro de Buen Amor
by Juan Ruiz
About the author
Very little is known for certain about his life, and much of what is said about him comes from his own writing. He is generally identified as Juan Ruiz, a cleric associated with Hita, and scholars place his life around c. 1283–c. 1350.
His fame rests on Libro de buen amor (The Book of Good Love), one of the major works of medieval Spanish literature. The poem blends autobiography, fable, lyric passages, parody, religious material, and earthy humor, creating a voice that feels playful and hard to pin down.
That mix is a big part of why he remains so interesting. The work can seem moralizing in one moment and mischievous in the next, which has kept readers and critics debating its meaning for generations.