{"product_id":"9788490072875","title":"NATIONAL EPISODES II. KING JOSEPH'S BAGGAGE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eNATIONAL EPISODES II. KING JOSEPH'S BAGGAGE\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBook Summary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work inaugurates the second series of the National Episodes, the great novelized chronicle of the 19th century in Spain. With his characteristic irony, Benito Pérez Galdós narrates the flight of French troops following the Battle of Vitoria, focusing on the looting they committed while abandoning the Peninsula. Through the eyes of Salvador Monsalud, a new pro-French protagonist, the reader witnesses a crucial episode of the Peninsular War, combining adventure, historical critique, and a profound portrait of the contradictions of a nation at war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is it about?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe novel is set in the final stages of the Peninsular War, following the decisive French defeat in Vitoria. The title alludes, with biting irony, to the booty that Joseph Bonaparte and his army attempted to take out of Spain: artworks, jewelry, furniture, and money looted during the occupation. The plot follows Salvador Monsalud, a young man who has embraced the pro-French cause, as he joins the retreating convoy. Through his personal journey, the reader travels the path of the invaders, harassed by guerrillas and allied troops. Galdós constructs a narrative where military conflict is intertwined with ideological and personal tensions, showing the complexity of a Spain divided between loyalty to the crown and the Enlightenment ideas represented by the invaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMain Themes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe Peninsular War and the French retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe looting and spoliation of artistic and cultural heritage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe ideological conflict between pro-French sympathizers and patriots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe construction of national identity through war.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical irony and political critique in Galdós's narrative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is it recommended for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor readers interested in the Spanish historical novel and the masterpiece of Benito Pérez Galdós. It is ideal for those who wish to delve into the second series of the National Episodes and understand the complexities of the Peninsular War from a literary and critical perspective. It is also of great value to literature students and history enthusiasts who are looking for a narrative rich in nuances and memorable characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat this book offers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA lucid and ironic vision of a key historical episode, far from simplistic epic tales.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe introduction of a new protagonist, Salvador Monsalud, who embodies the contradictions of the pro-French sympathizers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eAn adventure-filled plot of pursuit that maintains narrative interest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA profound analysis of the consequences of the military conflict on Spanish society and culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe opportunity to continue the great saga of the National Episodes from a new generational perspective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor: Pérez Galdós, Benito\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePublisher: LINKGUA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eLanguage: Spanish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eTopic: CLASSIC TEXTS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCollection: NARRATIVE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePublication date: December 2017\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eNumber of pages: 176\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 210 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEditorial Review\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis paperback edition of \"King Joseph's Baggage\" offers an excellent gateway to the second series of the National Episodes. Galdós demonstrates his mastery by combining historical rigor with agile narration and profound reflection on Spanish identity. The choice of a pro-French protagonist provides an unusual perspective, enriching the understanding of a complex period. It is a work recommended both for those already familiar with the author and for new readers who wish to explore the Spanish historical novel at its best.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LINKGUA EDICIONES","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53406630019419,"sku":"9788490072875","price":16.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/0650\/6331\/files\/978849007287.jpg?v=1781836551","url":"https:\/\/kalamobooks.com\/en\/products\/9788490072875","provider":"Kalamo Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}