Quizzes
Quick Facts
- Born:
- July 28/31, 1617, Sevilla, Spain
- Died:
- April 13, 1684, Madrid
- Notable Works:
- “Bibliotheca Hispana”
- “Nova”
- “Vetus”
- Subjects Of Study:
- Spanish literature
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Antonio, Nicolás
Nicolás Antonio.
Nicolás Antonio
Spanish historian
Nicolás Antonio (born July 28/31, 1617, Sevilla, Spain—died April 13, 1684, Madrid) was the first systematic historian of Spanish literature. His Bibliotheca Hispana appeared in two parts (Nova, 1672; Vetus, 1696). The first is a vast bibliography of Peninsular and Spanish colonial writers after 1500, with critical evaluations. The second, a history of Peninsular literature from the reign of Augustus to 1500, marks the emergence of modern bibliography and the transformation of literary history into a scholarly discipline. A second edition (1788; vol. 1 of the Nova dated 1783), with additions from Antonio’s manuscripts, is still consulted.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.