Leonardo Bruni in Castile: the «Libro de belo gótico» for Alfonso Álvarez de Toledo

Abstract

This essay presents a critical edition and study of the anonymous Spanish translation of De bello italico adversus Gothos (1441-1442) by Leonardo Bruni. The translation is addressed to the Castilian nobleman Fernando Álvarez de Toledo. The identity of the recipient and that of the translator is studied, as well as the chronology, the historical context and the irradiation of this volgarizzamento. Although the Libro de belo gótico has been almost neglected in the history of literature, it is Bruni’s translation into Spanish that has the largest number of preserved manuscripts (seven). For the first time, a critical edition of the translator’s and Bruni’s prologues is offered, together with an analysis that highlights the ecdotic and interpretative consequences of the examination of its textual tradition.