The introduction describes the life and background of the writer, Visigoth Bishop Isidore of Seville. He was one of the most influential figures in the early medieval church, writing many books and three historical works. This document was the prologue to his work on Visigoth history.
The work itself reads almost like a poem, one meant to glorify and personify the land of Spain. He writes it as if he is talking to the land himself, referring to Spain as “you.” Isidore gives the reader fantastic imagery with his descriptions as he tries to cover each element of the land that he loves. “You are dressed in corn, shaded with olive trees, covered with the vine…full of flowers, your mountains full of trees” (3). Although Spain is inherently beautiful, it’s important to realize that he did live his life in Seville, which was said to be the most beautiful place in the country. As we read in Menocal’s work, many of the high command chose to spend their last days there.
Isidore finishes the work praising the Visigoths themselves, who ruled this land at the time. He wants the land to know that all of the people love it and will continue to enjoy it just as the Romans did previously. Isidore served as a Bishop in Seville until his death in 636, never leaving the land he loved.