Libro Primero de Las Epístolas Familiares

Las epístolas familiares are a set of texts published in two books containing 85 letters, 20 arguments, speeches, and sermons. The first book appeared in 1539, and the second in 1542. The Epistles deal with various topics: from advice for widows to how to calm a niece in despair over the death of her dog. It contains skits, jokes, anecdotes, transcripts, and various commentaries. There are epistles of political and historical interest, while others speak of the influence of moods and passions experienced by lovers, and still others discuss ladies' headdresses. Each letter is addressed to people of his time, among others these include: Alonso Manrique, Archbishop of Seville; Don Jerónimo Vique, Ambassador; Don Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the Great Captain; and Mosé Puché. They show an overview of the social, political, legal, and religious issues during the reign of Charles V.