LOPE FELIX DE VEGA CARPIO (1562-1635), one of the greatest figures in Spanish literature,
the "monstruo" of the critics, was born at Madrid,
and after an irregular youth took part in the Invincible Armada,
returning to receive priestly orders, but, also, to continue
his dissolute courses. He is said to have written 1800 dramas
of various kinds, establishing the style for all future writers
of the Spanish theatre. His lyric talents are of the highest
order, and his fluency makes him one of the most remarkable figures
in the literature of the world. His Obras sueltas in twenty-one
volumes appeared at Madrid in 1776. Menéndez y Pelayo
died before completing the collection of his works which he was
preparing for the Spanish Academy. |
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