ABSTRACT
Translations of Spanish picaresque novels appeared in Italy slightly later than in other European countries. These translations, however, did not inspire the writing of what could be called an Italian picaresque novel. Compared to the numerous translations and imitations of the Spanish picaresque in the rest of Europe, the versions seem to have had little impact on Italian literature of the time. Germany too had a strong tradition of literary works which shared characteristics with the Spanish picaresque. Translations of Spanish picaresque novels appeared in France earlier and in greater quantity than anywhere in Europe. The Lazarillo, first translated in 1560, circulated in five different versions by 1678. The first part of the Guzman was read in French the year after the Spanish original was published in Madrid. The history of the picaresque novel in England follows to some degree its development in France.
