The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision

I do not possess the 1968 version of Dr. Kamen's well known tome but my feeling is that the last chapters have been re-written and extensive new research added. While the vast majority of the book tends to offer a pseudo apologia for the Inquisition (as per the first edition), not so the fourth edition's finale. One gets the distinct impression that Professor Kamen is revising his revision. His second last chapter 'Twilight of the Holy Office' details the continuing persecution of the converso population whether of Spanish or Portuguese origin well into the mid 18th century - this almost three hundred years after the original trials in the late 15th century. The Holy Office simply would not stop. And even the purity of blood laws which were removed by one Spanish monarch only to be re-instated by the next - this all speaks volumes - of Spain and its people.Dr. Kamen's final paragraphs are an out and out condemnation of the institution and even more so - those that established and propagated it - and possibly the general population that did almost nothing to rid themselves of history's longest lasting bloodlust.

I really got a lot out of reading this book. It is a scholarly book, but is accessible to the general reader. Kamen takes pains to put the Spanish Inquisition within its context of historical, political, and practical spheres. Dare I use the word "balanced" to describe this portrayal of the much-maligned institution? In another field, Kamen may be considered nearly an apologist, but careful reading of the text reveals the author not so concerned with defending the Inquisition as with avoiding the calumny that has plagued other portrayals.I read this book to prepare for and as an accompaniment to a trip to Spain, and it most definitely enriched my experience of that country. I am glad Kamen took the time and care in writing such a thorough depiction of the Spanish Inquisition. Not a short or easy book, but highly recommended to those who want more than the grotesque voyeurism of most Inquisition media.

As a pluralistic secular society it's difficult for us to objectively understand what motivated those who lived in what was essentially a confessional state. Additionally, because of our view it's easy to see and condemn the abuse of the inquisition especially when 300 years of such abuses are surmised in about 20 hours of reading. Still the author does a nice job of separating fact from fiction. Still it's important to realize the international historical context on the inquisition which was mostly beyond the scope of this book.

research product for work.I DON'T NEED any ads for similar products, thanks, but the book came very quickly & that was important to me.

An outstanding body of research. Should be required reading for anyone interested in the Spanish Inquisition. An excellent job of dispelling the myth surrounding this period of history.

This book was shipped immediately and arrived beautifully packaged! My husband could not be happier in fact he's reading it right now!! Best book seller! Highly recommend!!!

Interesting subject.

This book is a pack of lies. You should stop selling it.

É preciso resgatarmos a Verdade. A História da Igreja Católica é o pano de fundo da história da humanidade. Livro fundamental.

Henry Kamen is a brilliant writer and Spanish historian. This is his 4th edition on Spanish Inquisition and he has done a great job. The book has many facts that puts things in perspective.

its a bit dense and long. Definitely not the quickest summary of happenings. But hey. I'm reading it cover to cover and not skipping a single page.

I have known about this book for a long time and was pleased to find this 4th edition in e-format.The book is a real mythbuster for anyone who imagines that the Spanish Inquisition was some dark force controlling every fibre of daily life in Spain throughout the centuries of its existence.Kamen points out there simply was not the manpower or technology for the Inquisition to operate a police state. Most Spaniards would have been completely indifferent to its activities, especially outside its Castilian heartlands. It's fearsome reputation for execution and persecution is much exaggerated, given that it operated over an era of several centuries when capital punishment was the default sentence for a wide range of misdemeanors.Though the book sets the record straight, it is not special pleading. The Inquisition's proceedings were unjust relying on anonymous informers who could use the Inquisition as a way to victimize neighbours. or anyone seen as an outsider. Inquisition flourished in a society where anti-Semitism was accepted as a virtue.Ultimately, Kamen highlights the futility of persecution. This was realised by some writers at the height of Inquisition activities - "(Inquisitors) are the greatest heretics of all, because they ignore the teachings of Christ".A lengthy but rewarding read, leaving the reader with food for thought about what history teaches us about today.

I have not read this book as it was bought as a gift. My aunt said she enjoyed it but it was heavy going to read, hence taking off one star.