Chronicles of Catalan-Aragonese Kings: 13th-14th Centuries
Chronicle of James I the Conqueror (1240-1274)
The Book of Acts (1240-1274): Dictated by the King himself, *escribens*, writing in the first person, using both the majestic plural (‘we’) and a more intimate ‘I’. This totally subjective account has the characteristics of a book of memoirs or an autobiography, revealing the most intimate aspects of the King. It explains the events of the conquests of Majorca and Valencia, narrating from the confrontations of James I to the last years of his life. He is presented as a highly idealized and revered historical figure. The King confesses to writing the work as an example for future kings.
Noteworthy are a genuine religious feeling and a belligerent spirit in the King. He explains verbatim military campaigns, the cruelty of the struggle, and personal risk and danger. Regarding the language, he uses direct style, proverbs, and colloquial expressions. We emphasize how he addresses the audience or reader (for educational purposes). Also noteworthy is his patriotism (love of the land and Catalan culture).
Chronicle of Bernard Desclot (1283-1288)
Bernard Desclot, whose real name was Bernard Escrivà, was the royal treasurer and an officer of the court of King Pere II the Great. His chronicle deals with two main issues: the conquest of Sicily and the invasion of Catalonia by the French, and their liberation by Pere II the Great.
The author was a direct witness but often refers to sources. For events preceding the reign of Pere II the Great, he uses first-hand information, legendary tales, and includes a high chivalrous spirit. He describes the last Almogavars with great admiration. His descriptions are remarkable and thorough. There is great loyalty to the Sicilian, admiring Roger de Lauria. Sometimes, popular terms and dialectal expressions from Roussillon are used.
Chronicle of Ramon Muntaner (1325-1328)
This chronicle, written between 1325 and 1328, features the King and the author himself as protagonists. Muntaner was knighted and participated in 32 battles. He was a loyal citizen of the King. His chronicle covers a period spanning five reigns, explaining events from the birth of James I (1207) to the coronation of Alfons III the Benign (1328).
He uses historiographical texts and songs of deeds to write about the first period (1207-1285) and relies on personal experience for the second period (1285-1328), often insisting that he is a witness to the events narrated. The goal of the chronicle is to glorify the monarchy of the Catalan-Aragonese crown. He explains the military and political events in which he was involved. Proud of his culture, language, and land, he establishes an equivalence between nation and linguistic community. The story is written to be read aloud, so he uses communication resources such as questions and answers aimed at those who listen.
Chronicle of Pere III of Aragon (1319-1387)
His reign began in 1336. It is the King himself who dictates to his officials. The chronicle contains the characteristics of a book of memoirs or autobiography. He takes the chronicle of James I as an example and includes songs of deeds. It is intended to justify the actions taken during his reign, to serve as an example and mirror to succeeding generations.
It contains six parts and covers the King’s entire life, divided chronologically into days. The direct intervention of the King allows us to understand his personality and provides detail. This era is experiencing a delicate political situation: the clash between royal sovereignty and the power of the nobles of the cities. The King acts with strictness and cruelty, including revenge and the execution of his enemies.