Marriage and Friendship in Medieval Spain: Social Relations According to the Fourth Partida of Alfonso X

Marriage and Friendship in Medieval Spain explores the themes of betrothal, marriage, parenthood and friendship in the famous Spanish law code compiled during the reign of Alfonso X (1252-1284). The often quoted Siete Partidas are the sources for hispanic law and for legal precedents in the United States today; yet, the text of Book Four concerning friendship, relations between men and women and relationships between parents and children has not been analyzed in depth before. Professor Stone uses this text to provide us with a glimpse into the social history of Medieval Spain. It is an essential building block for future studies and critical editions of Las Siete Partidas.