Description

Lazarillo de Tormes, along Don Quixote, is my personal favorite work of Spanish literature. Lazarillo de Tormes is the founding novella of the picaresque genre, that was so popular during the Spanish Golden Age. The author is anonymous, since the story heavily criticizes the Catholic clergy and nobility, to the point that it was banned by the Spanish Inquisition. Lazarillo is the anti-hero of the story, being a low-class theft and bastard son of a prostitute who works for a blind beggar. Then Lazarillo works for different corrupt characters, all while living very miserable episodes. A classic work of brutal realism, with social criticism and humor.

This English edition also includes El Buscón, or The Swindler in English, another classic picaresque novel, this time written by one of the most famous Spanish poets, Francisco de Quevedo. Here Quevedo presents the adventures of Don Pablos, who wants to become virtuous and a gentleman. However, the cruel reality will punch the low-class Don Pablos in the face and circumstances forced him to become a rogue. Despite how harsh that sounds, the novel is a satire that you will enjoy.

• Series: Penguin Classics
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics; Revised edition (August 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140449000
• ISBN-13: 978-0140449006
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.5 x 7.8 inches