Published in 1914, this book is less of a traditional story and more of a passionate project. José Nebot Pérez, a Valencian writer and scholar, saw the language of his home changing and, in some circles, being looked down upon. He didn't write this for university professors. He wrote it for the people—the farmers, the shopkeepers, the families. His goal was to show that the everyday Valencian spoken in towns and cities had its own consistent rules, its own rich vocabulary, and its own rightful place in the world.

The Story

Think of it as a snapshot. Nebot Pérez acts like a linguistic photographer, carefully recording how words were pronounced, how sentences were built, and what idioms people actually used. He organized these observations into a structured grammar, but his explanations are rooted in real-life examples. He argues against the idea that Valencian is just a broken version of Spanish or Catalan. Instead, he presents it as a living system, shaped by its speakers. The 'plot' is his journey of proving this point, piece by piece, against a backdrop of political and social pressure that often marginalized regional languages.

Why You Should Read It

This book is surprisingly moving. You can feel Nebot Pérez's dedication on every page. It's a work of love and defiance. For me, the most powerful parts aren't the technical explanations, but the moments where he defends the language's value. It makes you think about the words you use and where they come from. It’s a direct link to how people communicated in Valencia over a hundred years ago, and it challenges the idea that only 'official' languages are correct or worthy of study.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but fascinating read. It's perfect for language nerds, history lovers, and anyone with Valencian roots who wants to connect with their heritage. It's also great for people interested in how cultural identity is tied to speech. It’s not a light novel—it requires some focus—but it’s written with a clarity and purpose that pulls you in. You come away not just learning about grammar, but understanding a piece of a community's soul.