Fernão Lopes
Fernão Lopes is recognized as a pivotal figure in medieval Portuguese literature, born around 1380 in Lisbon, Portugal. He became the official chronicler for the nation under King Edward I around 1419, where he dedicated himself to documenting the history of Portugal. Lopes produced significant works that captured the intricate political, social, and economic transformations of his time. Notable among his writings are the "Crónica del Rey D. Joao I de Boa" and the "Crónica do el Rei Dom Pedro I," which reflect the historical narratives of Portuguese royalty. His accounts are valued not only for their historical content but also for their literary merit, showcasing the evolution of Portuguese prose. Lopes left his post in 1459, with his death believed to have occurred shortly thereafter. His contributions significantly shaped the understanding of Portugal's medieval history, making him a respected figure in the field of historiography.
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Subject Terms
Fernão Lopes
Historian
- Born: c.1380
- Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
- Died: c. 1460
Biography
Fernão Lopes is generally regarded to be one of the most important and influential figures in the history of medieval Portuguese literature. He was born around 1380 in Lisbon, Portugal, where he grew up and attended school. After completing his education, Lopes was appointed to the position of a chronicler for the nation of Portugal by King Edward I. Lopes took the position around the year 1419, and quickly began writing and publishing his works about the history of his country.
Lopes met many important and influential Portuguese people as he chronicled and recorded the nation’s history. His accounts recounted the numerous political, social, and economic changes that took place in the country. His history books include Crónica del Rey D. Joao I de Boa: Memória e dos reis de Portugal o décimo a two-volume work published in 1644, and Crónica do el Rei Dom Pedro I deste nome, e dos reis de Portugal o oitavo cognominado o justiceiro na forma em que a escreveu Fernão Lopes, published in 1735. An English translation of his work, The English in Portugal, 1367-1387: Extracts from the Chronicles of Dom Fernando and Dom João/Fernão Lopes, appeared in 1988. Lopes left his position as chronicler in 1459, and is believed to have died shortly thereafter.