[95] Cervantes, Don Quixote, (ed. de Pellicer, Madrid, 1787,) tom. i, p. 62.—Mendez, Typographia Española, (Madrid, 1796,) pp. 72-75.—Andres, Letteratura, ubi supra.—Pellicer seems to take Martorell's word in good earnest, that his book is only a version from the Castilian.
The names of some of the most noted troubadours are collected by Velazquez, Poesía Castellana, (pp. 20-24.—Capmany, Mem. de Barcelona, tom. ii. Apend. no. 5.) Some extracts and pertinent criticisms on their productions may be found by the English reader in the Retrospective Review. (No. 7, art. 2.) It is to be regretted that the author has not redeemed his pledge of continuing his notices to the Castilian era of Spanish poetry.
[Illustration: GENEALOGY OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA.]
PART FIRST.
1406-1492.
THE PERIOD WHEN THE DIFFERENT KINGDOMS OF SPAIN WERE FIRST UNITED UNDER ONE MONARCHY, AND A THOROUGH REFORM WAS INTRODUCED INTO THEIR INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION; OR THE PERIOD EXHIBITING MOST FULLY THE DOMESTIC POLICY OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA.
CHAPTER I.
STATE OF CASTILE AT THE BIRTH OF ISABELLA.—REIGN OF JOHN II., OF CASTILE.
1406-1454.
Revolution of Trastamara.—Accession of John II.—Rise of Alvaro de Luna.
—Jealousy of the Nobles.—Oppression of the Commons.—Its Consequences.—
Early Literature of Castile.—Its Encouragement under John II.—Decline of
Alvaro de Luna.—His Fall.—Death of John II.—Birth of Isabella.