No other organization for religious persecution ever equaled the Spanish Inquisition in intensity; scope; ruthless efficiency; and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope. From its establishment in 1478 until its abolishment in 1834; no one expected its tribunals; which relentlessly sought to destroy everyone who was not a Roman Catholic Christian. The terrible history of the Inquisition is told here by the distinguished scholar Cecil Roth; who was Reader in Jewish Studies at Oxford University.
#30703 in Books Lesley Hazleton 2010-09-07 2010-09-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .75 x 5.15l; .82 #File Name: 0385523947256 pagesAfter the Prophet The Epic Story of the Shia Sunni Split in Islam
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Engrossing and highly relevant for the 21st centuryBy MetallurgistThis is a highly engrossing book that is highly relevant to today’s world. The author is a journalist and as such writes in a highly readable style. The book reads more like a novel; rather than a textbook; but nonetheless covers the subject based on numerous sources; some of which go back to the 9th century. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of Islam and to all those interesting in understanding the roots of today’s Muslim fanaticism.This book details the death of the prophet Mohammed and his initial successors; particularly that of his cousin and adopted son Ali. Ali; initially passed over for the leadership of Islam; eventually became its leader. However; the struggle for the leadership of Islam and Ali’s assassination set the stage for the eventual struggle between the Shia (followers of Ali) and the Sunni who believed that the leadership of Islam should not be through Mohammad’s kin. Ali’s son Hussein (also Mohammad’s grandson because Ali married one of Mohammad’s daughters) was likewise killed by the Sunni leadership; creating the basis for Shia martyrdom. The events surrounding the deaths of Ali and Hussein and the nature of how and why they died are highly relevant to today’s world as they created the basis both the Sunni fanaticism of groups like Al Qaida; and Shia fanaticism. The author is clear in explaining these connections; making this book important for understand the modern world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Everyone interested in what is going on with Muslims should read this book!By WSV1975I hope this is required reading for every American diplomat and official and military officer with some degree of responsibility for dealing with Muslims. I have read a lot about Muslims and Middle eastern governments and yet i never really had the whole story on this Shia vs Sunni issue. Hazleton's book gives us all the details of history and lets us in on how the middle east and Islam was formed and why the history of that region is so alive today! This is one of those history books that is actually a page turner. I could not put it down.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Background on the Causes of the Sunni-Shia SplitBy W. ChambersVery well-written and overall historically accurate description of the Sunni-Shia split. Reads like a novel and doesn't take sides. One of the best and most readable books I've read on this topic.
