Dying in the La of Moses Crypto-Jeish Martyrdom in the Iberian World [Hardcover]

Miriam Bodians study of crypto-Jewish martyrdom in Iberian lands depicts a new type of martyr that emerged in the late 16th centurya defiant, educated judaizing martyr who engaged in disputes with inquisitors. By examining closely the Inquisition dossiers of four men who were tried in the Iberian peninsula or Spanish America and who developed judaizing theologies that drew from currents of Reformation thinking that emphasized the authority of Scripture and the religious autonomy of individual interpreters of Scripture, Miriam Bodian reveals unexpected connections between Reformation thought and historic crypto-Judaism. The complex personalities of the martyrs, acting in response to psychic and situational pressures, emerge vividly from this absorbing book.

[A]n important and timely book. . . . While a great deal of work has been done on the Inquisition, the approach taken here is very readable and up to date in its findings about this controversial institution; the intricacies of its operation are really brought home in the individual case studies.[A]n important and timely book. . . . While a great deal of work has been done on the Inquisitionthe approach taken here is very readable and up to date in its findings about this controversial institution; the intricacies of its operation are really brought home in the individual case studies.. . . an excellent study that successfully brings together many diverse strands of scholarship and will appeal to students of religion, Judaism, and Iberian history alike. 61.2 (Summer 2008)Bodian's study is both moving and illuminating. . . . a major contribution to converso studies and a demonstration of intellectual honesty.Vol. 33.2

List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations

1. The Historical Setting
2. The Dogmatista Crypto-Jewish Martyrs
3. A Conquistador's Nephew in New Spain
4. A Monk of Castanheira
5. A Converso Surgeon in the Viceroyalty of Peru