Transcriber’s Note:
New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.
ISABEL OF CASTILE
AFTER A PAINTING IN THE PRADO GALLERY ATTRIBUTED TO MIGUEL ZITTOZ
FROM “TORQUEMADA AND THE SPANISH INQUISITION” BY RAFAEL SABATINI
ISABEL OF CASTILE
AND
THE MAKING OF THE SPANISH NATION
1451–1504
FOREWORD
Isabel of Castile is one of the most remarkable,and also one of the most attractive, figures inSpanish history. Her marriage with Ferdinandthe Wise of Aragon brought about the union ofthe Spanish nationality, which had so long beendistracted and divided by provincial prejudicesand dynastic feuds. She is the ancestress of theSpanish Hapsburg line. But she is also importantin Spanish history as a wise and energetic ruler,who rendered invaluable assistance to her husbandand to some extent moulded his policy.Under their government Spain was reduced fromanarchy to order and took her place among thegreat Powers of Europe. Isabel is perhaps bestknown as the patroness of Christopher Columbusand the unflinching ally of the Spanish Inquisition.But her career presents many other features ofinterest. In particular it reveals the problemswhich had to be faced by European governmentsin the critical period of transition from mediævalto modern forms of national organization.
CONTENTS
| PAGE | |
|---|---|
| CHAPTER I | |
| CASTILE IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY | |