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Book Cover Of 'How New World Commodities Conquered Spanish Literature' Chocolate: How A New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

Author: Antonio Castillo Gomez

Chocolate: How a New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

by Daniel Humphreys

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2321 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Publication Date: 2023

: 978-1-4875-0892-0

The arrival of European explorers in the Americas in the 15th century marked a pivotal moment in world history, triggering a profound exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across the Atlantic. Among the most significant and enduring legacies of this tumultuous era is the impact of New World commodities on Spanish literature.

In his groundbreaking book, "How New World Commodities Conquered Spanish Literature," Antonio Castillo Gomez delves into this fascinating topic, exploring the ways in which the of American products, such as chocolate, tobacco, and silver, transformed the literary landscape of Spain.

Chocolate: A Sweet Literary Treat

Chocolate, a tantalizing delicacy originating from Mesoamerica, quickly captivated Spanish society upon its in the 16th century. Its rich, alluring taste and alleged medicinal properties inspired numerous literary works, including poems, plays, and novels.

Gomez meticulously traces the evolution of chocolate in Spanish literature, showing how it became a symbol of luxury, indulgence, and even love. Authors such as Miguel de Cervantes, Francisco de Quevedo, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz incorporated chocolate into their writings, using it to paint vivid sensory experiences and explore themes of sensuality and temptation.

A Painting Of A Woman Drinking Chocolate Chocolate: How A New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

Tobacco: From Medicine to Literary Vice

Similar to chocolate, tobacco also made a significant impact on Spanish literature. Initially hailed as a medicinal herb, tobacco quickly gained popularity as a recreational substance, giving rise to a host of literary portrayals.

Gomez examines the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards tobacco expressed in Spanish literature. While some authors praised its medicinal virtues, others condemned its addictive and socially disruptive effects. Nevertheless, tobacco became an integral part of Spanish literary culture, appearing in works by renowned writers such as Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca.

A Painting Of A Man Smoking A Tobacco Pipe Chocolate: How A New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

Silver: A Catalyst for Literary and Economic Transformation

The discovery of vast silver deposits in Spanish colonies in the Americas had a profound impact on both Spain's economy and its literature. The influx of silver fueled economic growth, which in turn led to a surge in artistic and literary production.

Gomez explores the ways in which silver influenced Spanish literature, from inspiring epic poems and novels that celebrated the New World conquests to generating debates about the moral and ethical implications of colonialism. Authors such as Francisco de la Torre and Baltasar Gracián used silver as a symbol of wealth, power, and the transformative impact of global trade.

A Painting Of A Silver Mine In The Americas Chocolate: How A New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

Beyond Exotic Curiosities: The Cultural Impact of New World Commodities

Gomez goes beyond merely documenting the presence of New World commodities in Spanish literature. He argues that these products played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity and worldview of Spanish society.

By introducing new tastes, scents, and experiences, New World commodities expanded the sensory and imaginative horizons of Spanish readers. They challenged traditional beliefs and practices and contributed to the emergence of a more cosmopolitan and globalized Spanish culture.

A Painting Of A Spanish Explorer Meeting With An Indigenous American Chocolate: How A New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

In "How New World Commodities Conquered Spanish Literature," Antonio Castillo Gomez presents a captivating and meticulously researched account of the profound impact that New World commodities had on the literary and cultural landscape of Spain. By exploring the fascinating stories of chocolate, tobacco, and silver, Gomez sheds light on the complex and dynamic relationship between globalization, colonialism, and the enduring power of literature.

Through its engaging prose and insightful analysis, this book is an essential read for scholars and students of Spanish literature, colonial history, and the global exchange of ideas and commodities.

Chocolate: How a New World Commodity Conquered Spanish Literature (Toronto Iberic)

by Daniel Humphreys

5 out of 5