Romancero Viejo by Agustín Durán is a captivating collection of traditional Spanish ballads that transport readers to a bygone era filled with passion, adventure, and drama. The author skillfully brings these ancient poems to life with vivid language and rich imagery, making it easy to imagine oneself in the midst of the thrilling events depicted in each verse.

The ballads cover a wide range of topics, including love, honor, war, and betrayal, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Many of the poems are filled with intense emotions and dramatic twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the fates of the brave heroes and cunning villains that populate these tales.

Durán's deep appreciation for the Romancero tradition is evident in his translations, which carefully preserve the rhythm and meter of the original works while also capturing their lyrical beauty. His insightful commentary provides valuable context and historical background, enhancing the reader's understanding and enjoyment of these timeless poems.

Overall, Romancero Viejo is a must-read for anyone interested in Spanish literature, folklore, or history. Durán's passion for the Romancero tradition shines through in every line, making this collection a true delight to read.

Book Description:
El Romancero español es un grupo de cortos poemas de origen medieval desgajados de los cantares de gesta castellanos a partir del siglo XIV y transmitidos de forma oral hasta el XIX, en que, merced al interés que el Romanticismo sintió por la literatura medieval, Agustín Durán (1789-1862) empezó a recogerlos en sus famosas Colecciones de romances antiguos o Romanceros, Valladolid, 1821, ampliado luego con el título más célebre de Romancero General. Ya en el siglo XX, Ramón Menéndez Pidal y su escuela emprendieron su compilación exhaustiva y empezaron a ordenarlos y estudiarlos. Muchos romances provienen especialmente del XV y se conservan gracias a coleccionistas contemporáneos de estas composiciones, que compraban en las ferias en forma de pliegos sueltos y que elaboraban con ellos los llamados cancioneros de romances. Este es el llamado Romancero viejo. (Introducción de Wikipedia)