Exequias de la lengua castellana

Exequias de la lengua castellana (1795), meaning "Exequies of the Castilian Language," is a significant work by Juan Pablo Forner, a prominent Spanish literary polemicist of the 18th century. Forner, educated in classical languages and philosophy, used his sharp wit and sarcasm to critique fads and affectations in Spanish literature.1

This work is a defense of Castilian literature, arguing for its value against comparisons with other European literatures. Forner's writing style was often satirical and didactic, as seen in his earlier work Sátira contra los abusos introducidos en la poesía castellana. The title Exequias de la lengua castellana itself suggests a concern for the state and preservation of the Spanish language and its literary tradition.1