Peggy K. Liss

An excellent biography of a pivotal Spanish queen. The author explores Isabel's childhood, ascent to the throne of Castile, and the various policies she pursued as queen, such as the Reconquista, the Inquisition, and funding Columbus's explorations. The personality of Isabel which emerges does not appear to have been pleasant, as Liss explains that Isabel viewed vengeance as justified and including Jewish expulsion from neighboring realms in the marriage negotiations of her children. Leaving little untouched, Liss makes a good case for Isabel's personal influence as a monarch and lasting influence on her descendants.… (plus d'informations)