The History of the Inquisition of Spain from the Time of its Establishment to the Reign of Ferdinand VII.

"The History of the Inquisition of Spain from the Time of its Establishment" by Juan Antonio Llorente is a journey through the dark corridors of the Spanish Inquisition, starting from its beginnings to the reign of Ferdinand VII. The book, penned by a former secretary of the Inquisition, unveils the institution's complex history and its monumental impact, drawing from original documents to paint a picture of the Inquisition's procedures and important events. The author introduces the historical environment, looking back at the early days of Christianity and how the Inquisition transformed over time. It showcases the evolving views of people deemed heretics by the church, the changing laws that led to severe punishments, and the creation of the Inquisition as an official court. The narrative pays close attention to Spain's social and political landscape, emphasizing the involvement of Spanish rulers and the intersection of religious passion and political aspirations. The author prepares the reader for an exploration of the Inquisition's inner workings, infamous trials, and key historical characters, all while documenting the controversial actions of one of history's scariest institutions.