The origins of the Arcipreste de Talavera and of the first act of Celestina

Abstract

This article explores the family origins of Alfonso Martínez de Toledo, one of the likely authors of the first act of La Celestina. It supplies some interesting biographical information with regard to the writing process of La Celestina and analises his literary training. In it, I evidence his closeness to the theatrical phenomenon, specially to Piccolomini, Petrarch, and the Italian Humanistic comedy, and his work leading the theatre plays in Toledo in the 1450s. And I contribute some interesting linguistic and literary coincidences between El Corbacho and La Celestina, as well.