A Medieval Spanish Prometheus: Don Juan Manuel

Don Juan Manuel was one of the most important literary figures of medieval Castile, and texts that he produced were foundational in the development of Spanish literature. They also reflected – and supported – his ideas about society, power, and nobility. In this episode, Dr. Mario Cossío Olavide discusses the nature and impact of Don Juan Manuel’s work. In particular, he explores connections between Don Juan Manuel’s literary work and his political ambitions, offers a new perspective on his representation of Islam and Islamic rulers, and also briefly discusses the later transmission and reception of his work throughout the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.