Description
In the Shadow of a Romance. The Life of María Goyri
Book Summary
This illustrated biography rescues the figure of María Goyri, a woman ahead of her time who broke barriers in Spain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A pioneer in the academic field, she was one of the first women to enter university and the first to earn a doctorate in Philosophy and Letters. Through her research on the "Cantar de mio Cid" and her work alongside Ramón Menéndez Pidal in compiling the traditional romancero, the reader will discover a passionate philologist, a staunch defender of secular education and women's access to university, whose intellectual and social commitment challenged the conventions of her time.
What is it about?
Alejandro Pedregosa immerses us in the life and work of María Goyri, from her first steps as one of the first female university students in Spain to her consolidation as a key figure in Hispanic philology. The work explores her passionate research into medieval literature, especially the "Cantar de mio Cid," and her decisive collaboration with her husband, Ramón Menéndez Pidal, in the study of the traditional romancero. Beyond her academic facet, the book addresses her firm commitment to pedagogical reform and the defense of a secular education accessible to women. The narrative does not shy away from the historical challenges that marked her life, such as the Civil War and the Franco dictatorship, showing how she kept her commitment to teaching and culture intact despite adversity. The illustrations by Concha Pasamar visually enrich this journey through the life of a woman who fought for intellectual equality.
Main Themes
- The struggle for women's access to higher education in Spain.
- Philological research and the study of Spanish medieval literature, with special attention to the "Cantar de mio Cid" and the romancero.
- Intellectual feminism and the defense of equal opportunity in the academic and social spheres.
- Pedagogical reform and the defense of secular and quality education.
- Cultural resistance and intellectual commitment during the Civil War and the Franco dictatorship.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is recommended for young people and adults interested in biographies of pioneering women, the history of education and feminism in Spain, as well as those passionate about literature and Hispanic philology. It is an ideal read for those seeking to learn about the legacy of key figures in 20th-century Spanish culture.
What this book offers
- An intimate and documented portrait of one of the first female doctors in Spain, offering a model of perseverance and intellectual dedication.
- A clear view of the historical and social context that surrounded María Goyri's life, facilitating an understanding of the challenges she faced.
- The discovery of a fundamental figure in Spanish philology, whose research work was key to the preservation of the traditional romancero.
- A reflection on the importance of education as a tool for social transformation and female empowerment.
- A reading experience enriched by illustrations, which add a visual and poetic dimension to the biographical narrative.
Technical Data
- Author: Alejandro Pedregosa
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Autobiography: literary, history and the past (children's/young adult), Literature, books and writers (children's/young adult)
- Collection: Illustrated Biographies
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2025
- Number of pages: 80
- Weight: 202 g
Editorial Assessment
"In the Shadow of a Romance" is a biography that fulfills the dual objective of popularizing the life of an exceptional intellectual and offering an accessible and visually attractive read. Alejandro Pedregosa's work manages to convey María Goyri's passion for knowledge and her firmness in defending her ideals, making her an inspiring reference for young and adult audiences alike. The inclusion of illustrations and the focus on her philological and pedagogical legacy make it a valuable tool for learning about an essential part of Spain's cultural and feminist history.