Based on a famous Spanish folk tale and set in rural Andalusia, "e;The Three-Cornered Hat"e; recounts the tribulations of a lecherous local magistrate as he attempts to have his way with the miller's beautiful but devoted wife, with unforeseen and hilarious consequences. Alarcon's astute blend of slapstick and comedy of manners provides both timeless entertainment and a sharp satire on the corruption of rural officials and the politics of lust and seduction.

Pedro Antonio de Alarcon (1833-1891) is chiefly remembered for his subtly ironic plots and quintessentially Spanish settings and characterizations. H.F. Turneri is a translator.