An engrossing and revolutionary biography of Isabella of Castile; the controversial Queen of Spain who sponsored Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World; established the Spanish Inquisition; and became one of the most influential female rulers in history.In 1474; when most women were almost powerless; twenty-three-year-old Isabella defied a hostile brother and a mercurial husband to seize control of Castile and León. Her subsequent feats were legendary. She ended a twenty-four-generation struggle between Muslims and Christians; forcing North African invaders back over the Mediterranean Sea. She laid the foundation for a unified Spain. She sponsored Columbus’s trip to the Indies and negotiated Spanish control over much of the New World. She also annihilated all who stood against her by establishing a bloody religious Inquisition that would darken Spain’s reputation for centuries. Whether saintly or satanic; no female leader has done more to shape our modern world. Yet history has all but forgotten Isabella’s influence. Using new scholarship; Downey’s luminous biography tells the story of this brilliant; fervent; forgotten woman; the faith that propelled her through life; and the land of ancient conflicts and intrigue she brought under her command.
#250049 in Books Crown Forum 2013-10-01 2013-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.52 x 1.03 x 6.40l; 1.25 #File Name: 0307461513320 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. the book is well organized an an easy read.By George MillerThis book traces internal (citizens) and external (immigrants) migration in the US; from the Scots-Irish migration that started before the American Revolution; and ending with current "sorting" migration of liberal professionals to liberal areas such as the San Francisco Bay area and Washington DC and of conservative professionals to Dallas; Charlotte; and Atlanta. Many of the chapters compare and contract two migrations that occurred at the same time: the Yankee expansion across the Northern US and the Southern Grandee (slave holding populations) into Alabama; Mississippi; Louisiana (with exception of New Orleans); Arkansas; and Texas before the Civil War; and the migration of Irish and German settlers in the late 1840s through the 1880s. Most of these migrations were not predicted and ended abruptly for reasons that were not understood until some time after their end. The book describes the impacts of immigrant cultures on immigrant migrations - i.e.; the Irish tending to stay in large cities while the Germans headed for rural areas. The book also tracks impacts of technology on migration: i.e.; air conditioning making the South a much more attractive place to live. While there most of the information in this book is not new; the book is well organized an an easy read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. More legal than illegalBy David D. HarvisonWell done overview of the major migrations both to and within the United States from 1740 to today. For deeper view of the Scots-Irish immigration look to "like" list. The northern European immigrations are covered but the impact and major players could be more deeply covered as this is not usually a focus of immigration history.This seems like a reporters overview versus an academics deeper look at both what happened and what longer term impact resulted. Maybe this is because Barone is an excellent reporter.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Tough read; but worth the effortBy Kevin D. HagertyI bogged down a bit on this one; but the information contained within this book was worth the effort to have. The case is made successfully for comprehending the dynamics of the various migratory diaspora; particularly as they explain the current atmosphere within this country. Many of the currently active factions are based not in recent; but in distant countries of origin and cultural; religious and economic influences. Fascinating; but requiring dedication.
