Vol. 3 (2022): Avisos de Viena

„Königin Maria Anna von Spanien in hellrotem Kleid (1635-1696)”,1651/1661, Werkstatt: Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez,Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, © KHM-Museumsverband.

'For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die', says a well-known quote from the Book of Books.

We were shocked and deeply affected when we learned that a very valued colleague passed away this year. In honour of Don W. Cruickshank, this new issue of the Avisos de Viena is dedicated to him.

Don Cruickshank was an internationally respected expert on Calderón and on book printing in early modern Spain. But above all, he was popular, especially with many young colleagues, because he always took the time to answer everyone's questions thoroughly. More than 10 years ago, he wrote to us saying "a critical edition of El secreto a voces is badly needed", and encouraged us with these words to apply for our first research project. Even after the edition has been published, Don W. Cruickshank continued to make time for us, answering us in a friendly and highly professional manner. Looking back, he thus contributed to laying the foundations for the Viennese Siglo de Oro research group. Whether providing us with important hints on a monkey's tale in Calderón, scans and photocopies of basic text versions, or information on Calderón's life, Don W. Cruickshank's answers have enriched the research activities of the Viennese Calderonists. His sudden passing is a sad loss for us all. Let us then continue his work on Calderón and Spanish Literature and thereby commemorate his name.

Nuestras vidas son los ríos
que van a dar en la mar,
que es el morir:

allí van los señoríos,
derechos a se acabar
y consumir;

allí los ríos caudales,
allí los otros medianos
y más chicos;

y llegados, son iguales
los que viven por sus manos
y los ricos.

Simon Kroll
Vienna, 4 January 2022

Published: 04-01-2022

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