Joanot Martorell
Joanot Martorell arrived in Valencia around the year 1410. His family originated from Gandía, a town nearby. His grandfather Guillem Martorell served as a royal advisor to the crown. Francesc Martorell held the position of butler for King Martin the Humane. Damiata Abelló was his father's wife and mother to Joanot. A sister named Isabel married Ausiàs March, another notable figure of the time. These connections placed the young knight within the highest circles of Valencian society.
Martorell earned his knighthood on the first day of 1433. He spent years traveling through England, Portugal, and Naples due to constant conflicts. In 1438 he translated the poem Guy of Warwick during one stay abroad. Fourteen battle letters exist today that document these disputes. One conflict with cousin Joan de Monpalau lasted eight years from 1437 to 1445. Another dispute involved Gonzalo de Híjar over property sales between 1444 and 1450. He also sued Philip Boïl in 1442 regarding testimony issues. These confrontations rarely escalated beyond verbal challenges despite their intensity.
Martorell lived near Plaça de Sant Jordi before selling his estates. His financial situation deteriorated significantly after losing those properties. Martí Joan de Galba frequently lent him money out of necessity. The debt accumulated until Martorell could no longer repay it. He died at the beginning of 1465 without leaving any descendants behind. This sudden end left his unfinished work vulnerable to external handling. The lack of heirs meant no family member would protect his literary legacy immediately.
On the second day of January 1460 Martorell began writing Tirant lo Blanch. He dedicated this novel to Prince Ferdinand of Portugal whom he had met during travels. The story follows knight Tirant and his romance with Carmesina. It contains highly erotic charges unusual for its time. Four copies survive from the first edition published in Valencia. One copy resides at the University of Valencia while another sits in London. A third exists in New York and a fourth comes from the Barcelona edition. The text remained incomplete when he passed away in early 1465.
Nicolás Spindeler's printing press released the book in 1490. The original manuscript served as collateral for one hundred reales borrowed from Galba. Galba never recovered the loan because Martorell died before the deadline. The colophon claims Galba translated the fourth part but likely only divided chapters. Some scholars suggest occasional additions came from Joan Roís de Corella instead. The version printed differs slightly from what Martorell originally gave to his friend. This discrepancy remains a subject of historical debate among researchers today.
Cervantes praised Tirant lo Blanch in Don Quixote by saving it from destruction. He called it the best book of its kind in the world. Ariosto and Shakespeare also knew and admired the work. Translations appeared in Spanish, Italian, and French during the sixteenth century. Critics now consider it one of the first modern novels in Europe. It stands alongside other peaks of Catalan language literature. The novel deals with adventures set within the Byzantine Empire itself. Its blend of history and fiction influenced generations of writers across continents.
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Common questions
When did Joanot Martorell arrive in Valencia?
Joanot Martorell arrived in Valencia around the year 1410. His family originated from Gandía, a town nearby.
What date did Joanot Martorell earn his knighthood?
Martorell earned his knighthood on the first day of 1433. He spent years traveling through England, Portugal, and Naples due to constant conflicts.
How many copies of the first edition of Tirant lo Blanch survive today?
Four copies survive from the first edition published in Valencia. One copy resides at the University of Valencia while another sits in London.
Who printed the book Tirant lo Blanch in 1490?
Nicolás Spindeler's printing press released the book in 1490. The original manuscript served as collateral for one hundred reales borrowed from Galba.
Why is Joanot Martorell considered important in literary history?
Critics now consider it one of the first modern novels in Europe. It stands alongside other peaks of Catalan language literature.