Doctrinal discussion and interaction in the epistolary art of mid-sixteenth century Castilian

Gaspar de Texeda's Primero Libro de cartas mensageras en estilo cortesano (1547-1553) is usually taken as a "not too serious" manual, and thus, it has a low place in the history of epistolography. This assessment does not come from a rigorous study of the work, but from the consolidation of prejudices defended by secretaries professionally and personally hostile to the author and to his writing style. The invectives exchanged between Texeda, Torquemada and Yciar in their respective manuals, illustrate well the different styles each one defended, as well as the debate taking place around the vernacular episolography. Adapted from the source document