Catalan Humanism and the Great Medieval Chronicles

Humanism and the Royal Chancery

Humanism: James I created the Royal Chancery, an office where laws were drafted and translated into Latin, Aragonese, and Catalan. Under Peter, King of Aragon, this institution established a concept of state intertwined with religion. By the sixteenth century, a model of written Catalan emerged—the second major standard after Ramon Llull—referred to as a Koine or standard language. This educated form was used to avoid confusion, ensuring that everyone serving the Chancery across different territories used the same linguistic power.

The Rise of Humanist Writers

In the early 15th century, the first great writers appeared, such as Bernat Metge (referred to as the "Doctor"). He served as the first chancellor and was the notary to the queens. Recognized as the best writer of Humanism, he was the son of a pharmacist. After his mother was widowed, she married a high-category foreigner, Ferran Saiol. Metge possessed a unique gift for language and redaction; a significant portion of his works carried political intentions. Saiol considerably influenced Metge, whose cultural education and dedication to letters and laws made his entry into the Chancery possible. Born and died in Barcelona (14th–15th century), he was a cultured and refined writer, well-versed in the courtly life of the Catalan kings.

The Great Catalan Chronicles

The Chronicles had a clear objective: to praise the Catalan crown, exalting heroic deeds while occasionally hiding military failures.

The Book of Deeds of James I (1244–1276)

The Llibre dels Fets (Book of Deeds) is formed of four parts, narrating the events that occurred during his reign. A very well-known section is the explanation of his own conception (engendrament), where he utilizes the chronicle format and his unique point of view. As a book of memory, James describes his reign and military exploits, portraying himself as both the protagonist and a hero king. The style is notably colloquial, reflecting the oral language of the time.

Bernat Desclot: The Book of King Peter (1283–1288)

Bernat Desclot recounts the reign of Peter the Great. The work can be divided into three parts:

1. References to the previous reigns of James I.
2. A focus on the current monarch, Peter.
3. The king as the central protagonist.

Desclot describes prior events using songs of heroic deeds. In contrast, events contemporary to the author are narrated with care, precision, and documentary clarity. The primary topics include the facts and conquests of the kings.

The Chronicle of Peter III of Aragon (1383–1385)

This work recounts the reign of Peter III and his father, Alfonso III of Aragon. It is written in the form of autobiographical memories, which allows insight into certain aspects of the personality of the king. Unlike other chronicles, this work uses legends or prosified songs of deeds. While the style is often described as dry and boring, it becomes emotional when the king recounts intimate facts. Events are explained with a remarkable determination for accuracy, highlighting the concept of divine providentialism.