The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes · Chapter
English Translations explained
This chapter discusses the English translations of Lazarillo de Tormes, beginning with David Rowlands' 1586 translation, published by Abel Jeffes, which became highly popular.
What happens
This chapter discusses the English translations of Lazarillo de Tormes, beginning with David Rowlands' 1586 translation, published by Abel Jeffes, which became highly popular. Subsequent editions and reprints followed, with varying quality, including a 1653 edition by James Blakiston and a notably poor 1789 edition that mangled Spanish names.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Lázaro’s emotional peak occurs when he first experiences economic agency and self-respect, as his water-carryi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Poverty and Hunger
The enduring popularity of the novel in translation underscores its vivid portrayal of poverty and survival, resonating with readers across centuries.
Characters to notice
- David Rowlands
First translator of Lazarillo de Tormes into English, published in 1586.
- Abel Jeffes
Publisher of the first English translation and its 1596 edition.
- Juan de Luna
Author of the spurious second part included in the 1653 edition.
Key passages
“Lazarillo de Tormes was first translated into English by David Rowlands of Anglesey.”
The first English version of Lazarillo de Tormes was made by David Rowlands from Anglesey.
Introduces the first translator.
“It was published in 1586.”
The translation came out in the year 1586.
Provides the publication date.
“There were twenty editions or reprints, and Lazarillo was exceedingly popular with the Elizabethan reading public.”
The book saw twenty printings and was very well received by Elizabethan readers.
Highlights the work's popularity.
“The worst performance of all was the edition of 1789 in two volumes.”
The 1789 two-volume edition was the poorest quality of all.
Criticizes the 1789 edition.
