The Knight of the Blue Boots

Book excerpt: "The Knight of the Blue Boots (strange tale)," the best-considered novel by Rosalía de Castro, belongs to realism now, although it is a work full of magic and fantasy, very much in the style of Hoffmann. The story tells of the vicissitudes of a knight who calls himself Duke of Glory and appears unexpectedly in different parts of Madrid, leaving everyone open-mouthed with his strange appearance. He wears blue boots, a white bow shaped like a hawk and a wand with a bell. His captivating personality and attractiveness open the doors to palaces and Madrid gatherings, but above all to the wills of the ladies. The Duke, curiously, does not seem interested in these conquests but in carrying out the strange task of bringing to light the disastrous state of literature, criticism and publishing, no less degenerate than the pampered readers, almost exclusively interested in pseudo-historical novels and romantic serials. Having completed his task of public denunciation and ridicule, the Duke of Glory evaporates as mysteriously as he had appeared. His presence has broken the schemes of the Madrid bourgeoisie, who consider him a madman, although a madman genius. The Duke of Glory is the symbol of literary innovation."