The world of El Cid : chronicles of the Spanish reconquest

Makes available, for the first time in English translation, four of the principal narrative sources for the history of the Spanish kingdom of León­-Castile, covering the Reconquest of Spain from the forces of Islam during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and the story of Rodrigo Díaz, better remembered as El Cid. "This book makes available, for the first time in English translation, four of the principal narrative sources for the history of the Spanish kingdom of Leon-Castile during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The four chronicles were all composed in an unprecedented surge of Spanish historical writing between c. 1110 and c. 1150. Three of them focus primarily upon the activities of the kings of Leon-Castile as leaders of the Reconquest of Spain from the forces of Islam, and especially upon Fernando (1037-65), his son Alfonso VI (1065-1109) and the latter's grandson Alfonso VII (1126-57). The fourth chronicle is a biography of the hero Rodrigo Diaz, better remembered as El Cid, and is the main source of information about his extraordinary career as a mercenary soldier who fought for Christian and Muslim alike. A general introduction to the volume sketches the historical background, and then each text is prefaced by its own introduction and accompanied by explanatory notes. The book will appeal to students of medieval history and to anyone with an interest in the drama of the Spanish Reconquest."--Jacket Makes Available, For The First Time In English Translation, Four Of The Principal Narrative Sources For The History Of The Spanish Kingdom Of León-castile During The Eleventh And Twelfth Centuries. Three Chronicles Focus Primarily Upon The Activities Of The Kings Of León-castile As Leaders Of The Reconquest Of Spain From The Forces Of Islam, And Especially Upon Fernando I (1037-65), His Son Alfonso Vi (1065-1109) And The Latter's Grandson Alfonso Vii (1126-57). The Fourth Chronicle Is A Biography Of The Hero Rodrigo Díaz, Better Remembered As El Cid, And Is The Main Source Of Information About His Extraordinary Career As A Mercenary Soldier Who Fought For Christian And Muslim Alike. Covers The Fascinating Interaction Of The Muslim And Christian Worlds, Each At The Height Of Their Power. Each Text Is Prefaced By Its Own Introduction And Accompanied By Explanatory Notes. Front matter 1 Contents 6 List of figures 7 Foreword 8 Preface 10 List of abbreviations 12 Map 13 Genealogical table 14 Dedication 15 General introduction 16 I: Historia Silense 24 II: Bishop Bishop Pelayo of Oviedo, Chronicon Regum Legionensium 80 III: Historia Roderici 105 IV: Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris 163 Bibliography 279 Index 289 Makes available, for the first time in English translation, four of the principal narrative sources for the history of the Spanish kingdom of Leon -Castile, covering the Reconquest of Spain from the forces of Islam during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and the story of Rodrigo Diaz, better remembered as El Cid. -- .