This study provides a fresh assessment of Spanish Romanticism through a sympathetic appraisal of its literary theory and criticism.

Introduction; 1. Böhl von Faber and the establishment of a traditionalist Romanticism; 2. The consolidation of Romantic ideas: 1820-1833; 3. The exiles, liberal Romanticism and developments in criticism; 4. Condemnation and clarification in the literary debate; 5. Reaffirmation of Schlegelian principles in literary criticism; 6. The religious spirit in literary ideas and the influence of Chateaubriand; 7. The perception of literature's role in society; 8. Romantic traditionalism in the work of Fernán Caballero; 9. Conclusions: the mid-century; Notes; Bibliography; Index.