The Prince and the Pen
Don Juan Manuel (1282–1348) was a Spanish medieval writer, nephew of Alfonso X of Castile, and one of the most significant figures in the development of Spanish prose. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he wrote with a distinct consciousness of authorial identity, meticulously curating his works to ensure their preservation and moral impact.
His most famous work, El Conde Lucanor (The Tales of Count Lucanor), consists of fifty-one moral tales (exempla) presented through a dialogue between the Count and his wise advisor, Patronio. This structure allowed Don Juan Manuel to explore complex ethical and political dilemmas facing the nobility of his time.
This digital repository presents a comprehensive PhD study on the literary legacy and political philosophy of Don Juan Manuel, exploring the intricate relationship between his role as a powerful aristocrat and his devotion to the craft of writing.