Original: The first volume of his Vidas de EspaÃ oles cÃ lebres, containing lives of Spanish patriots, stirred the public imagination and secured Quintana the post of secretary to the Cortes during the French invasion.
Simplified: The first book of his Vidas de EspaÃ oles cÃ lebres, about the lives of Spanish heroes, helped to promote Quintana the post of secretary to the Cortes during the French invasion.