Description
Anthology of Juan Latino
Book Summary
This anthology brings together the essential work of Juan Latino, the first Black writer whose work was printed in the 16th century. Born in Ethiopia and raised in Granada as a slave, he managed to earn a doctorate at the University of Granada and became a poet and humanist. The book includes his epigrams and fragments of his epic poem La Austríada, dedicated to the Battle of Lepanto, as well as the praise dedicated to him by Lope de Vega, Cervantes, and other authors of the Golden Age. An essential edition for understanding the figure of an exceptional intellectual in Renaissance Spain.
What is it about?
Juan Latino, also known as Juan de Sessa, was born in Ethiopia in 1518 and arrived in Granada as a child to serve in the house of the Duke of Sessa. Thanks to his close relationship with the aristocrat, he received a higher education, entered the University of Granada, and earned his doctorate. The duke manumitted him, freeing him from slavery. His printed work dates from 1573 with the Epigrams, dedicated to John of Austria after the Battle of Lepanto. This volume collects his poetic compositions in Latin, where he combines classical humanism with the celebration of the feats of the Spanish Empire. It also includes the praises dedicated to him by Lope de Vega, Jiménez de Enciso, Rodríguez de Ardilla, Juan de Arjona, and Cervantes, a testament to his reputation in the Golden Age.
Main Themes
- Epic and epigrammatic poetry of the Spanish Renaissance
- The figure of Juan Latino as the first Black writer of printed literature
- The Battle of Lepanto and its poetic celebration in La Austríada
- Classical humanism and the translation of Greco-Latin authors
- Overcoming slavery through education and intellectual merit
Who is it recommended for?
Students and researchers of Golden Age literature interested in Renaissance poetry and exceptional historical figures. Also for readers who wish to know the work of a pioneer author due to his origin and trajectory, as well as for those who appreciate Latin poetry and classical texts.
What this book offers
- Access to the work of a fundamental author for understanding cultural diversity in 16th-century Spain
- An edition that collects both the poems and the praises from great pens of the Golden Age
- Historical and literary context regarding the figure of Juan Latino and his relevance in Spanish humanism
- Direct reading of poetic texts in Latin with their translation or commentary
- A unique perspective on intellectual integration in the society of the time
Technical Specifications
- Author: Latino, Juan
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classical texts, poetry
- Collection: Poetry
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2005
- Number of pages: 36
- Weight: 91 g
Editorial Review
This anthology offers a direct gateway to the work of Juan Latino, a unique figure in the literary landscape of the Golden Age. Its value lies in recovering the voice of an author who, from an exceptional social position, managed to integrate into Renaissance humanism and be recognized by his contemporaries. The edition, brief but substantial, is useful both for the curious reader and for the specialist who wishes to access these texts in an accessible format. The inclusion of praises from Cervantes and Lope de Vega adds a documentary bonus that enriches the understanding of his legacy.