The Spanish Inquisition

* A reassessment of the history of the Spanish Inquisition. * Challenges the reputation of the Inquisition as an instrument of religious persecution, torture and repression. * Looks at the wider role of the Inquisition as an educative force in society. Drawing on the latest research by American, British and European scholars, this book challenges the reputation of the Spanish Inquisition as an instrument of religious persecution, torture and repression. The author traces the history of the Spanish Inquisition from 1478when it was founded, through its agenda against dissenters, to its demise and abolition in the early nineteenth century. Taking account of the work of a new generation of international historians, she demonstrates that the Inquisition was a far less brutal instrument of control than hitherto envisaged, that torture and the death penalty were only rarely applied, and then almost exclusively during the early years of its history. The book also draws attention to the wider role of the Inquisition as an educative force in society that strengthened the bonds between church and state. This book challenges the reputation of the Spanish Inquisition as an instrument of religious persecution, torture and repressionand looks at its wider role as an educative force in society. A reassessment of the history of the Spanish Inquisition. Challenges the reputation of the Inquisition as an instrument of religious persecution, torture and repression. Looks at the wider role of the Inquisition as an educative force in society. Draws on the findings of recent research by American, British and European scholars. Includes original documentary evidence in translation.