Overview

While historians of medieval Spain have been unanimous in acknowledging the significance of Infante Manuel's impact on the reign of his brother, Alfonso X, the Wise, and the rise to power of his nephew, Sancho IV, none have attempted a biography of his life, convinced there was insufficient material to justify the endeavour. Systematic and persistent research over many years, however, has uncovered a profusion of facts and figures which, together with the evidence discovered in numerous unedited archival documents, effectively establishes the prince as a major player during Alfonso's troubled rule. This is the first and only book-length biography of Prince Manuel, the progenitor of the longest ruling dynasty in the history of Spain. In his capacity as the monarch's closest advisor, Manuel assiduously maintained critical working relationships with the most notable leaders of his age, including James I and Peter III of Aragon, Louis IX and Philippe III of France, Edward I and Queen Eleanor of England, Popes Alexander IV and Gregory X, and a host of other royal and noble personages from Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. Intended for specialists in the field of medieval Iberian history and literature, Dawn of a Dynasty is a highly reliable source work and a significant contribution to our knowledge of late-thirteenth-century Castile.

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9781487504601

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Reviews

Dawn of a Dynasty offers an original and exceptionally well-researched perspective on a pivotal period in medieval Iberian history. Richard P. Kinkade's work is deeply informed by a close reading of the sources, shedding new light on the thirteenth century, and the degree of biographical detail is impressive. - Simon Doubleday, Department of History, Hofstra University, Founding Editor and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medieval Iberian Studies Adopting a chronological approach, Richard P. Kinkade has written an exceptionally valuable study that greatly advances our knowledge and understanding of Infante Manuel as a confidant and collaborator of the king whom he eventually abandoned. - Joseph O'Callaghan, Department of History, Fordham University

"""Kinkade’s archival work and analysis are of undeniable value, and he has woven them into a historical narrative that is clear and at times quite lively. Most importantly, he demonstrates how Infante Manuel exerted diplomatic influence not only in the Iberian kingdoms, but on a larger Mediterranean stage that included the pope, the count of Savoy, and the sovereigns of England, France, Sicily, and Tunis. Ultimately, this book is a worthy capstone to Kinkade’s legacy as a scholar of medieval Iberia."" -- Anita Savo, Boston University * <em>Speculum</em> *"

Author Information

Richard P. Kinkade is professor emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Arizona.

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