Daily Life During the Spanish Inquisition [Hardcover]

James M. Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0313316678 | ISBN-13: 978-0313316678

The life of persecuted minorities, as well as that of the wealthy and the ordinary people of Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, comes alive in this illuminating account. For three and a half centuries, the Inquisition permeated every aspect of daily life in early modern Spain. This history depicts in graphic terms the dangers faced by Jews and Muslims and their suffering at the hands of the Inquisitors, as well as the struggle for survival of the lower classes and the ostentatious display of wealth of the high nobility. Set against the political, religious, social, economic, and cultural events of the time, it presents a balanced account, rich in detail, of the daily activities of the Spanish people during this period. Each chapter offers a succinct perspective of life during early modern Spain, covering the political and social setting, the Church, the Inquisition, Jews and Conversos, Muslims and Moriscos, the court, urban and rural life, family life, clothes and fashions, food, arts and entertainment, military life, education, and health and medicine. All these aspects of life are discussed in the context of a society experiencing profound internal conflicts arising from matters of religion, class, gender, and ethnic prejudice. Interwoven in the text is a discussion of relevant political and economic events that helped to shape the times, as well as comments from both contemporary Spanish writers and foreign visitors who witnessed firsthand the conditions and attitudes of the people. More than 40 illustrations, a timeline of important events, a list of Spanish rulers during the centuries of the Inquisition, a glossary, and a bibliography add value to the narrative.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Anderson's] extensive research is readily apparent as he presents readers with details so interesting and often gruesome that the Inquisition seems almost fictional. It is awe-inspiring when an author extracts all of the historical intricacies of a given time and place, so much so that the time and place read like fantasy.”–Against the Grain

“This history sets the Inquisition in its social, political, religious, economic, and cultural contexts and describes its impact on the lives of nobles, peasants, and religious minorities.”–Reference & Research Book News

About the Author

James M. Anderson is Professor Emeritus of the University of Calgary, Canada. He has spent many years in Spain and Portugal both as a Fulbright Scholar and as the recipient of Canada Council and SSHRC grants, contributing numerous articles and books to the field of Iberian studies. He is author of eleven books, including The History of Portugal (Greenwood, 2000).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (February 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313316678
• ISBN-13: 978-0313316678
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,525,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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