The purpose of this essay is to bring to light a previously untranslated Latin medieval rhetorical treatise from Castile-Juan Gil de Zamora's letter-writing manual Dictaminis Epithalamium, or The Marriage Song of Letter-Writing (c1277). Juan Gil (c1240-c1318) was among the first writers in Castile and Le�n to compose a rhetorical treatise on the technical elements of composition. In this essay I outline the theoretical and technical elements of Juan Gil's ars dictaminis-the salutation, narration, petition, and conclusion. To illustrate his precepts for letter-writing, I invent a letter using the technical rules he provides. I conclude by developing a theory of rhetoric for Juan Gil, focusing on how he conceives of the traditional canons of invention, arrangement, and style.

This essay brings to light a previously untranslated Latin medieval rhetorical treatise from Castile and León—Juan Gil de Zamora’s letter writing manual <i>Dictaminis Epithalamium</i>, or <i>The Marriaga Song of Letter-Writing</i> (c. 1277). Juan Gil (c. 1240-c. 1318) was among the first writers in Castile and León to compose a rhetorical treatise on the technical elements of composition. I outline the theoretical and technical elements of Juan Gil s <i>ars dictaminis</i>. Following an explication of his theory, I historicize the <i>Dictaminis Epithalamium</i> within the western European rhetorical tradition and within the established dictaminal genre. I argue that Juan Gil develops a new rhetoric for letter writing—one incorporating innovations as well as compilations of ideas from the Italian and French schools of letter-writing.

Abstract: This essay brings to light a previously untranslated Latin medieval rhetorical treatise from Castile and León—Juan Gil de Zamora's letter writing manual Dictaminis Epithalamium, or The Marriage Song of Letter-Writing (c. 1277). Juan Gil (c. 1240–c. 1318) was among the first writers in Castile and León to compose a rhetorical treatise on the technical elements of composition. I outline the theoretical and technical elements of Juan Gil's ars dictaminis. Following an explication of his theory, I historicize the Dictaminis Epithalamium within the western European rhetorical tradition and within the established dictaminal genre. I argue that Juan Gil develops a new rhetoric for letter writing—one incorporating innovations as well as compilations of ideas from the Italian and French schools of letter-writing.

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Notes I would like to thank Thomas Willard and Theresa Enos for their comments on an early version of this essay. I also thank the RSQ readers for their insightful and constructive comments.