Waveland Press - La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades - Annotated Critical Edition by edited by Chad M. Gasta

La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades is considered the world’s first picaresque novel and its prototype. Published in 1554 concurrently in Spain and Antwerp by an unknown author, the book tells the story of Lazarillo, an orphaned boy who becomes an apprentice to a series of masters, each of whom train him in the ways of the world. As the adult narrator, Lázaro explains how through cunning, deception, and wit, he has been able to overcome his ignoble birth to ascend socially and prosper materially. But in the process of reading his story, we become mindful of the difficulties of living in imperial Spain.

A 35-page introduction containing solid historical background material places the text in its cultural milieu and helps learners of Spanish master this fantastic story. Chad Gasta annotates the text further with abundant vocabulary glosses, end-of-chapter questions for comprehension and analysis, and helpful and informative notes.

Full-color ebook available (see sidebar at left for ebook options)

“This edition is visually appealing, set at an excellent price point for students, and has excellent supplementary materials to aid the student in understanding the rich history and vocabulary incorporated in the text.” — Scott Infanger, University of Alabama

“I am impressed with the concise yet essential information found in this very light book (128 pages). The historical information is accurate, very well presented, and interesting. Footnotes are helpful. The three-level question sections are very well structured. Pictures are relevant and artistic and the bibliography is good. Very nice edition indeed!” — Octavio Delasuaree, William Paterson University

“The text is clear, easy to follow, and well arranged for classroom use. Some strong points are the introductory section that provide historical and sociologic contexts. Also, the opportunities for questions and analyses at the end of each ‘tratado’ are very good.” — Linda Sariego, Neumann University

“A lovely new edition of a canonical text especially well suited for the undergraduate reader. The introductory discussions of the Picaresque tradition and authorship are enhanced by excellent summaries of the historical, cultural, and philosophical context of the work as well as content summaries of each Tratado, maps, diagrams, and images. . . . Gasta’s comprehension questions and guides for analysis provide points of departure for discussion at either the high-intermediate or advanced level, depending on the focus of the course. This edition of Lazarillo is a jewel and should find itself in many an undergraduate Spanish literature course.” — Deborah Dougherty, Alma College

Introduction
Lazarillo de Tormes and the Picaresque Tradition
Of Pícaros and the Picaresque / Lazarillo’s Journey through Imperial Spain / Editions and Date of Composition / Authorship and Anonymity

Lazarillo’s Spain
Imperial Spain / Counter Reformation Culture / The Renaissance and Humanism / Erasmian Thought and Humanism

The Society of Lazarillo de Tormes
Social Class and Poverty / Racial Differences and Limpieza de sangre / Honor and Appearances / Selected Bibliography

La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades