Spanish Literature

Spanish literature has had a long and amazing history.  From Mio Cid all the way to current Latinamerican authors like Carlos Fuentes and Isabel Allende, Spanish literature has explored all aspects of human existence from the theological concerns of the Golden Age playwrites to the political struggles of modern day Latin America.  On this page you will find a little information about some of my favorite Spanish authors as well as excellent links to other web sites that offer FREE access to amazing Spanish literature!

My favorite authors

It is hard to say exactly who is my favorite Spanish Author.  Nearly every author I've read has at least one work that was enjoyable (or at least thought provoking).  Nevertheless, certain authors stand out in my mind:

Miguel de Unamuno:

    Unamuno was greatly concerned about the "big questions" in life.  Does God exist?  Is there any meaning to life?  What happens to us after we die?  I, too, have spent a lot of time pondering these questions.  While my thinking has led me to far different conclusions than Unamuno's, his works always make me think..and rethink about the big issues in life.  I highly recommend Niebla and San Manuel Bueno, Martir.  In addition to these novels, Unamuno wrote many short stories so I highly recommend reading some of these as well.  Many of them remind me of the stories of Edgar Allen Poe.

Tirso de Molina:

    Ok, I have to admit up front: We're not really sure Tirso wrote the two plays I will discuss here.  Traditionally the plays El burlador de Sevilla and El condenado por desconfiado are attributed to the pen of Tirso de Molina.  Several scholars have now raised serious doubts about the authorship of these plays.  Nevertheless, the works are excellent and I highly recommend you read them, especially El burlador, which introduces the popular legend of Don Juan.  El condenado is a theological play which deals with the thorny issue of predestination versus free will.


Miguel de Cervantes:

   Cervantes is the king of modern Spanish literature and really the king of the modern novel. His classic work Don Quijote de la mancha is celebrating its 400 year anniversary this year. While I certainly recommend you read other works from Cervantes, there is no question El Quijote is his finest. The work deals with almost any important topic imaginable: insanity, war, religion, government, love..you name it! It is a difficult read but well worth the time. If at all possible, please take SP 491 here at the University of Alabama for an indepth study of this classic novel.