Cancioneiro Geral facts for kids
The Cancioneiro Geral (which means "The General Book of Songs") is a huge collection of Portuguese poetry. It was put together by a famous poet named Garcia de Resende (1470-1536). This important book was first published in 1516.
It contains about 1,000 poems by 286 different writers. Most of these poems are in Portuguese, but some are also in Castilian (an old form of Spanish). The poems were written mainly in the 15th and 16th centuries. This book is super important because it was the first collection of poetry ever printed in Portugal! It helps us understand the history of early Portuguese poetry.
Contents
What is the Cancioneiro Geral?
The Cancioneiro Geral is like a giant scrapbook of poems. It was created by Garcia de Resende, who was not only a poet but also a historian and worked for King Manuel I. He gathered poems written from the mid-1400s to the early 1500s.
This collection is different from some other old songbooks. For example, the poems inside are not grouped by their themes. Instead, they are just presented one after another.
When was it Published?
The Cancioneiro Geral was first printed in 1516. It was made in a workshop run by Hermão de Campos. The book was dedicated to Prince John, who later became King John III of Portugal.
What Kinds of Poems are Inside?
The poems in the Cancioneiro Geral cover many different topics. Many of them are about life at the royal court, showing what daily life was like for nobles and important people.
Other poems are about:
- Love: Many poems talk about feelings of love and affection.
- Religion: Some poems have religious themes and ideas.
- Sadness: There are also poems that express sorrow or grief.
- Heroic Stories: A few poems even try to tell big, epic stories about heroes.
In earlier times, poems were often sung or danced to, like troubadour songs. But the poems in the Cancioneiro Geral were meant to be read. Their rhythm comes from the sound of the words and how the verses are put together.
Who Wrote the Poems?
Many different poets contributed to this collection. Some of the most well-known authors include:
- João Roiz de Castel-Branco
- Francisco de Sá de Miranda
- Bernardim Ribeiro
- And, of course, Garcia de Resende himself!
Images for kids
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First page of Cancioneiro_Geral, 1516 edition.
