“Il poco numero de’ libri Spagnuoli”: The Defence of Spain in the "Efemeridi letterarie di Roma" in the Last Third of the 18th Century

Abstract

The cultural boom experienced by Rome in the last third of the 18th century was reflected in its editorial vitality and in the appearance of numerous periodicals, such as the Efemeridi letterarie di Roma (1772-1798), which reviewed their own production and the European one. The proportion of Spanish books –their list is provided here–, although it did not reach 2% of the reviews, was compensated by a decided will to highlight both the brilliant past, evidenced in repertoires and historiographical works, and the enlightened present, visible in literature of classical taste and in social or scientific advances. It was intended to vindicate a positive image of Spain against the mistakes and manipulations of foreign authors and, thus, build together with Italy a new cultural pole against the French hegemony from the budgets of the Catholic Enlightenment.