The Conscious Author
The literature of the 14th century is often characterized by its anonymity or collective authorship. However, Don Juan Manuel stands as a striking exception1. His prologue to El Conde Lucanor reveals a writer deeply concerned with the integrity of his text. He went so far as to deposit his original manuscripts in the monastery of Peñafiel2 to prevent scribal errors from corrupting his intended meaning.
This obsession with authorial control suggests a transition toward modern notions of intellectual property. Juan Manuel does not merely relay wisdom; he stakes his reputation on the specific phrasing and structure of his work. As he notes in his preface, "I have seen many books written by others, but I wish to leave my own, corrected by my own hand."3
The Peñafiel Manuscript
The strategic placement of his works in a specific religious house was not merely a spiritual act, but a logistical one. It served as a "master copy" for any future reproductions. This level of foresight is unprecedented in the medieval Iberian tradition, marking Juan Manuel as a pioneer of self-curation.