The First Work by Feijoo: News of a Poem Printed in 1701 in Honour of Philip V

Abstract

In this paper we examine the publication of a poem by Feijoo in 1701, which happens to be his first known printed work, 18 years before the one so far considered as such. Although the text is not signed, the fact that it is found in manuscript copies of Feijoo's poetry points clearly to his authorship. In addition, the poem, included in a loose sheet in honour of Philip V, shows the literary activity of Feijoo in a completely unknown period of his life; demonstrates his interest in the periodical press (as the poem was written in response to a proposal launched from the Gaceta de Madrid); and also demonstrates his pro-Bourbon affiliation at a very early date, just after the begining of the War of Succession. The critical edition of the poem is also offered, and finally the text is analyzed in the context of the novator period..