The Censorious Variants of the Buscón: Presentation and Ecdotic Assessment

Abstract

This work presents the textual variants due to the censorship in each one of the four testimonies of the Buscón. It also shows the exclusive lectures of each one that might be potentially scandalous in the XVII^th. These data reveal a progressive increase of the censorship in the text of the novel: first, in the manuscript phase (from the textual statement represented by the manuscripts SC to the one reflected in B) and, later, in the printed version (Z), which is the most censored testimony (but only occasionally). It is also analysed the possible authorship (or consent) of Quevedo in those censorious variants. Then, the evolution of the writer´s attitude with regard to the censorship of his works is studied, and the censorious practice is considered in the historical context of the Golden Age. Finally, it is argued that the maintenance of the coatte lectures of the editio princeps is the less risky decision for a critical edition of the Buscón.