Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition: A History

Name: Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition: A History
Author: Rafael Sabatini

By Rafael Sabatini

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History - European History - Religious

About This Book

An account examines the rise and workings of the modern Inquisition under the leadership of Tomás de Torquemada, emphasizing institutional mechanics over personal biography. Drawing on archival records and earlier investigators such as Juan Antonio Llorente, it reconstructs procedural devices, legal instruments, and the bureaucratic logic that enabled systematic persecution. The narrative presents Torquemada intermittently as a fervent architect while treating the tribunal itself as the chief actor, exploring themes of fanaticism, self-abnegation, and the long social consequences for Spain. The work aims for documentary rigor while avoiding confessional partisanship.

About the Author

Rafael Sabatini

Rafael Sabatini was an Italian-born British author, renowned for his swashbuckling historical novels that captivated readers in the early 20th century. His most famous work, "Captain Blood," tells the thrilling tale of a wronged physician turned pirate, showcasing his flair for adventure and romance. Sabatini's writing is characterized by rich historical detail and vibrant characters, often set against the backdrop of tumultuous periods such as the French Revolution, as seen in his novel "Scaramouche." Over his prolific career, he produced numerous works that contributed significantly to the genre of historical fiction, making him a notable figure in literary heritage.