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Spain -- History -- Ferdinand VII, 1813-1833 -- Fiction Books
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Benito Pérez Galdós
Los apostólicos
"Los apostólicos" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written between May and June 1879. Set during Spain's turbulent succession crisis of 1829-1832, the novel follows liberal hero Salvador Monsalud and other characters through the power struggle surrounding Fernando VII's final wife and daughter, the future Isabel II. Named after an ultratraditional sect supporting rival claimant Carlos María Isidro, the work depicts secret societies and political intrigue that would plunge Spain into civil war. The story blends melodrama with historical events leading to the Carlist Wars.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Los cien mil hijos de San Luis
"Los cien mil hijos de San Luis" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a historical novel written in February 1877. The sixth installment of Galdós's second series of national episodes, it depicts the intrigues of King Fernando VII and his inner circle as they facilitate a French invasion of Spain in 1823. Told through a fictional manuscript by Jenara Baraona, the narrative blends historical figures with literary characters in a romantic thriller plot, exploring the end of the constitutional period and the beginning of an era of terror.
Benito Pérez Galdós
La segunda casaca
"La segunda casaca" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel published in 1876. It narrates the events leading to the Liberal Triennium in Spain, centered on King Ferdinand VII's opportunistic adoption of the Constitution he had revoked eight years earlier. The story follows various characters including Salvador Monsalud, guerrilla fighter Carlos Navarro, and the cynical Juan Bragas, who switches political allegiances as circumstances demand. The narrative blends melodramatic intrigue with street riots, Inquisition dungeons, and palace scenes, offering a tragicomic chronicle of political opportunism.
Pío Baroja
Los Caudillos de 1830
"Los Caudillos de 1830" by Pío Baroja is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces readers to the tumultuous era of the early 19th century in Spain, focusing on the life of Eugenio de Aviraneta, a character intricately involved in the revolutionary movements against the absolutist regime. The story likely explores themes of political intrigue, personal ambition, and the complexities of loyalty during a time of national upheaval. At the start of the novel, readers meet Don Eugenio, who arrives in Bayona after spending time in Havana, rekindling old connections among fellow revolutionaries. He engages in discussions about the state of political affairs with characters like Aguado and Mina, revealing a sense of disillusionment regarding the liberal movements. As plans for a revolution begin to take shape, Aviraneta navigates the treacherous waters of political alliances and spy networks, laying the groundwork for the dramatic events that will unfold. This opening portion sets the stage for a rich exploration of character dynamics amidst the complexities of a revolution, suggesting a strong interplay between personal desires and larger historical forces at play.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Memorias de un cortesano de 1815
"Memorias de un cortesano de 1815" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel published in 1875. It chronicles the social ascent of Juan Bragas de Pipaón, an opportunist determined to climb Madrid's social ladder at any cost. Through Pipaón's self-narrated memoirs, Galdós explores the corrupt inner circle surrounding King Ferdinand VII after he seized absolute power in 1814, dissolved the Constitution, and plunged Spain into intellectual ruin. The novel employs a darkly comic tone that distorts reality to reveal the tragic absurdity of Spanish absolutist monarchy.
Benito Pérez Galdós
El terror de 1824
"El terror de 1824" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a historical novel written and published in 1877. The seventh volume in Galdós's second series of National Episodes, it depicts the brutal repression following Spain's absolutist restoration under Fernando VII. The narrative follows several characters including Benigno Cordero, Patricio Sarmiento, and two women through the violent persecution of liberals during the Ominous Decade. The story culminates in the execution of Rafael del Riego, hanged and beheaded before a Madrid crowd that once cheered him.
Benito Pérez Galdós
Un voluntario realista
"Un voluntario realista" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a historical novel written and published in 1878. Set entirely in rural Catalonia, the story follows Pepet Armengol, a submissive boy who serves as a convent sacristan, and Sor Teodora de Aransis, a beautiful nun with fanatical views on war and religion. The novel depicts Pepet's transformation from devoted church servant to fierce royalist volunteer during the War of the Agraviados, a brief but significant 1827 uprising that Galdós describes as "repugnant and obscure" yet crucial for understanding Spain's subsequent civil conflicts.
Benito Pérez Galdós
7 de julio
"7 de julio" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel written in 1876. It narrates a failed absolutist military coup attempt in 1822, when the Royal Guard rebelled against the constitutional government during Spain's Liberal Triennium. The story follows the adventures of antihero Salvador Monsalud and a cast of characters representing opposing ideologies—from absolutists to liberals of varying convictions. Through their experiences, Galdós captures a turbulent period of Spanish history marked by political conflict and dashed hopes.
Benito Pérez Galdós
La Fontana de Oro
"La Fontana de Oro" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a novel published in 1870. Set in Madrid during the Constitutional Triennium (1820-1823), it blends historical events with fictional characters in Galdós's debut work. The story follows young liberal Lázaro's forbidden love for Clara, an orphan living with her absolutist uncle, against the backdrop of political upheaval under Fernando VII's reign. Revolutionary meetings, street protests, and violent clashes between liberals and royalists frame this romantic tale of passion caught between opposing ideologies.
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