by Don Juan Manuel

Born in Escalona in the province of Toledo in 1282, Juan Manuel lived through one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Castile, the largest of the medieval Spanish kingdoms. His father was the Infante (Prince) Manuel, youngest son of King Fernando III of Castile, and brother of King Alfonso X, which made Don Juan Manuel a member of the Castilian royal family. Engaging in conventional aristocratic activities, Juan Manuel became deeply involved in the wars and political intrigues of his times. Less conventionally, he was also a prolific writer. A man deeply concerned about his own status and rank, Don Juan Manuel wrote works that provide a vivid glimpse into the values held dear by the aristocratic culture of fourteenthcentury Castile. He claimed to have written more than a dozen...