The Poet’s Art: Literary Theory in Castile c. 1400-1460 by Julian Weiss offers an in-depth exploration of the literary theory and poetic self-consciousness that flourished in fifteenth-century Castile. Focusing on key figures such as Juan Alfonso de Baena, Enrique de Villena, Juan de Mena, and the Marques de Santillana, Weiss examines how these poets and intellectuals engaged with broader philosophical and social questions through their poetry and literary criticism. The book delves into the intersection of poetry, politics, and intellectual culture, revealing how these writers sought to elevate poetry to the status of a science, positioning it as a source of wisdom and moral guidance.

By analyzing prologues, commentaries, and glosses, Weiss uncovers the ways in which poets used literary theory to enhance their social standing and assert their intellectual authority. The book also addresses the role of allegory, the classification of poetry as an intellectual discipline, and the growing importance of literary education in Castile’s courtly circles. The Poet’s Art is an essential resource for scholars of medieval Spanish literature and culture, offering new insights into the social and intellectual dimensions of poetic theory during a pivotal period in Castilian history.