El Cid

by M. J. Trow

First published 2007

Amazon

3.8(132)

How did Rodrigo Diaz, a.k.a. El Cid, become so famous and revered? In life, Diaz was one of countless eleventh-century warlords, but somehow his legend has persisted. El Cid is a national hero in Spain, the subject of a blockbuster film and of a statue in New York. In El Cid: The Making of a Legend, M.J. Trow strips away layers of legend and history to reveal the true figure of the Cid: a ‘traitor’ who fought for Muslim and Christian, outraging Castile and the whole of Christendom; a hero who was named ‘king’s champion’; a man who died, not in battle, but peacefully in his bed. Trow investigates the many legends that have grown up around the man since his death, examines how Spain’s politicians and ruling elite have used his myth for their own ends and explores the fascination he has held for writers in many countries, including the poet Robert Southey.

Set against the historical context of the enigma that is Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, this is a riveting and dramatic investigation of how men become myths and history becomes legend. It is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the man, his myth and/or his era. ’I have quite a few historical books on this period, and I must say that to date this has been the best book on Rodrigo de Bivar that I have read. Lots of good details, not just on the man himself but also on those around him as well as descriptive details on the times and customs. I would highly recommend this book’ - Amazon review ‘El Cid has always interested me, and I found Trow's book very enlightening’ - Goodreads review M.J. Trowis a history teacher, biographer and crime novelist. His non-fiction books include Who Killed Kit Marlowe?, Vlad the Impaler, Boudicca, Cnut and Spartacus.