History of Spanish Literature, vol. 2 (of 3)

"History of Spanish Literature, vol. 2 (of 3)" by George Ticknor is a journey through a vibrant era of Spanish literature, chronicling its transformation from the 16th to the late 17th century, where the theater emerges amidst church constraints and societal shifts. Beginning with Charles the Fifth, the book shows the push and pull between strict religious oversight and the population's hunger for engaging stories. Ticknor spotlights key playwrights and the rise of Lope de Rueda, who shaped popular plays, revealing a world where religious mysteries give way to secular dramas. The book details a period rich in dramatic development that reflects both the traditions and the changing tastes of Spanish society.