"In short, this is a book of marvellous variety, which paints a picture of a multi-faceted individual who was deeply involved with Spanish cultural life, and who moved in the highest diplomatic and political circles. It is the result of the author's painstaking and original research of archive material....At the same time, it is written in a style which brings alive a neglected period in the Spanish theatre, and gives a fascinating account of the political intrigues in which his subject was involved." David George, Theatre Research International

• Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; 1. The Spanish stage, 1800–23; 2. Grimaldi at the beginning of the 'Ominous Decade'; 3. On the eve of romanticism; 4. The romantic stage; 5. Grimaldi: journalist, historian, diplomat; 6. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

"In short, this is a book of marvellous variety, which paints a picture of a multi-faceted individual who was deeply involved with Spanish cultural life, and who moved in the highest diplomatic and political circles. It is the result of the author's painstaking and original research of archive material....At the same time, it is written in a style which brings alive a neglected period in the Spanish theatre, and gives a fascinating account of the political intrigues in which his subject was involved." David George, Theatre Research International

• Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; 1. The Spanish stage, 1800–23; 2. Grimaldi at the beginning of the 'Ominous Decade'; 3. On the eve of romanticism; 4. The romantic stage; 5. Grimaldi: journalist, historian, diplomat; 6. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Bibliography; Index.