The Spanish "lisp": because of the king?

The story is that certain Spanish speaking people "lisp" their "z"s because a Spanish king had a lisp. Not so, says Gerald Erichsen in this article on About.com.

The Unofficial Spanish SCAdian Book Club: Don Quixote

Greetings:

One of the ways to develop a Spanish persona is to read about Spain. But what books should you read? Well, we're here to help. Welcome to the first listing of "The Unofficial Spanish SCAdian Book Club."


Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

I once heard the character of Don Quixote described as "the first anachronist." Quixote is actually a gentleman by the name of Quixada (or is it Quesada or Quixana?) who has become disillusioned by the inequities and injustices of life. He reads romantic books about the chivalrous lives of Knights and ladies. He slowly goes mad reading these books until one day he fashions together his great-grandfather's armor, picks out a broken-down horse and renames the steed Rozinante, and begins his new life of knight-errantry.

Don Quixote is a satire on Spain in the early 17th century seen though the eyes of a man who believes he is living in earlier, more heroic times. It is a fantastic read.

I have to admit I have not read the entire book. only about a quarter of it. It was originally two books written decades apart therefore the unabridged version is around 1000 pages long. Every so often, though, I pick up the book and read a chapter or two. If you are like me and are not a fast reader I suggest that you find an abridged version.

-THL Cristobal

If you wish to post a review for the Book Club, please send me an Email.

-Xptobal