Theatro crítico universal

work by Feijóo y Montenegro

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July 17, 2026

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The Teatro crítico universal (1726–39) is a monumental work by Benito Jerónimo Feijóo y Montenegro, an 18th-century Spanish essayist and teacher. This encyclopedic collection of essays covers a vast array of subjects, including natural science, education, law, medicine, philology, and popular beliefs. Feijóo, a member of the Benedictine order, taught philosophy and theology at the University of Oviedo. His writings were instrumental in publicizing new scientific knowledge and promoting the use of reason. The Teatro crítico universal exemplifies the interests of the encyclopedists of his time and significantly contributed to Spain's intellectual emancipation by challenging error, prejudice, and superstition.12

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Spanish literature
New critical approaches
Feijóo’s monumental Theatro crítico universal (1726–39; “Universal Critical Theatre”), a compendium of knowledge, exemplifies the interests and achievements of the encyclopaedists. Another major encyclopaedic talent, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, produced streams of reports, essays, memoirs, and studies on agriculture, the economy, political organization, law, industry, natural science,…
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Feijóo’s monumental Theatro crítico universal (1726–39; “Universal Critical Theatre”), a compendium of knowledge, exemplifies the interests and achievements of the encyclopaedists. Another major encyclopaedic talent, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, produced streams of reports, essays, memoirs, and studies on agriculture, the economy, political organization, law, industry, natural science,…
Read More