El rumor político: Apuntes sobre la opinión pública en la Castilla del siglo XV

this study analyzes rumour as an expression of political communication in fifteenth century castile. in the first place, certain conceptual precisions are outlined. rumour is a form of unofficial, informal means of communication. in the second place the perception of rumour in mentalities and in courteous, gentlemanly, legal, moral, and religious discourse is studied. the negative perception in the period relates rumour with conflicting forms, social disorders, popular movements. the function of rumour is analyzed, i.e., not its veracity but its political functions: relationships with complaints, and influence on political decision-making by the authorities. the role of rumour in the formation of historical memory is also studied. finally, this paper researches its relationship with propaganda and public opinion.