Historia de la literatura y del arte dramático en España, tomo V

This volume offers a sweeping survey of Spanish dramatic literature, zeroing in on the golden age of the seventeenth century. It traces how the nation’s stage evolved from early medieval spectacles to the sophisticated religious pageants that defined the era, with particular attention to the cultural forces that shaped them.

The core of the work examines the autos sacramentales of the era’s most celebrated playwright, illuminating why his sacred dramas were held in such high esteem. By comparing his work to that of his contemporary Lope, the author highlights Calderón’s deeper allegorical layers, polished language, and moral intensity. Selections from the texts themselves are presented, letting listeners hear the poetic rhythm and theological nuance that made these pieces both devotional and dramatically compelling.

Written with scholarly rigor yet clear enough for a general audience, the book serves as an engaging guide for anyone curious about the intersection of faith, poetry, and theater in Spain’s rich literary heritage.