Although Alfonso X, El Sabio (1221-1284), is probably the one monarch of medieval Spain whose name is known to the generality of students, real familiarity with his work has normally been limited to specialists. True, Alfonso’s achievements in the worlds of literature, law, and learning have been the object of scholarly research for a considerable period of time. But up to now there has not been available in English a critical synthesis of those studies addressed to the beginning or casual student of the history of medieval Spanish culture. Keller’s book responds to the need in an admirable fashion.
With a facility available only to the knowledgeable scholar, he has managed to concentrate his information and organize it into a format which is useful as an introduction to his subject, while retaining that measure of sophistication required by the advanced student. Without artifice the material is presented in a logical, straightforward, and coherent manner. If the reader looks for information on a particular aspect of Alfonso’s life and career, he will find it readily and intelligently developed. For instance, the chapters on Alfonso’s work in sacred and profane literature not only itemize his contributions and analyze them, but use background material to provide a short summary of the literary tradition within which Alfonso was working. Similar treatment is given to the fields of law, science, and historical writing.
Of course, particular chapters will appeal to readers according to their interests. Latin Americanists, for instance, will derive much quick profit from the chapter devoted to legal activity, especially the production of Las Siete Partidas, in view of the fact that those laws were transmitted to the New World and became operative there. Students of the history of Spanish literature obviously will find Keller’s work indispensable. Indeed, his book is capable of serving so many interests that this reviewer does not hesitate to recommend it for every college library.
