| Summary: | The background of this article is the problem of the reading of works on spirituality in the 17th century Portugal, with special reference to the importance of their dedications. Using a selection of works published between 1600 and 1640 and dedicated to proeminent women of the times, several issues are discussed concerning both the orientation of reading and spiritual practices – often relying on models embodied in “living saints” – and the relationships, sometimes based on family ties, of authours and several religious orders with influential families – or, more specifically, with proeminent women of these families.
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