
A vivid slice of early‑19th‑century Spain unfolds as a procession of royal coaches departs Madrid, escorted by a lively chorus of soldiers, officials, and curious onlookers. The dialogue crackles with humor and regional slang, as characters like don Lino Paniagua, Mauro Requejo, and the eccentric licenciado Lobo debate the king’s mysterious journey toward the Pardo and the ever‑shifting fortunes of the French and British forces. Their banter paints a bustling urban landscape where political intrigue, war fatigue, and everyday gossip intersect.
Through the eyes of a wandering priest, a marquis, and a seasoned veteran, listeners glimpse the uneasy atmosphere of a nation caught between occupation and hope. The narrative captures the rhythm of street chatter, the clatter of horse‑drawn carriages, and the palpable tension of an era on the brink of change, all while keeping the tone lively and accessible.
Language
es
Duration
~6 hours (353K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Spain: Sucesores de Hernando, 1908.
Credits
Ramón Pajares Box. (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries.)
Release date
2022-12-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1843–1920
One of the great novelists of 19th-century Spain, he turned the streets, politics, and everyday lives of Madrid into vivid fiction. Best known for the vast Episodios nacionales and novels such as Fortunata y Jacinta, he wrote with warmth, sharp observation, and a deep feel for ordinary people.
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