THe Spain of FErdinand and Isabella
A. Mariejol, Jean Hippolyte. The Spain of Ferdinand and Isabella. Rutgers University Press: New Jersey, 1961. 337 pages.B. Until the 15th century, Spain was only a distant participant in the general movement of European affairs. The different kingdoms sharing the Spanish peninsula were individually too weak to pursue an energetic foreign policy. The marriage of royal cousins, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castille, in 1469 brought stability to both kingdoms. Both understood the importance of unity; together they effected institutional reform, such as in the Spanish Reformation, and left Spain one of the best administered countries in Europe. Even with the personal union of the crowns, Castille and Aragon remained constitutionally distinct political entities. Ferdinand, who had received his political education in the federalism of Aragon, brought a new emphasis on constitutionalism and a respect for local towns to Castille. Ferdinand was one of the most skillful diplomats in an age of great diplomats, and he and Isabella transformed Spain into a dual absolute monarchy. At the time of their rise to power, the crown had beaten off the last assault of the feudal world. These great monarchs had the firm will necessary to res
I do not think a traveler would find this book useful because it focuses on polical past, but it could enlighten the traveler on the values of the Spanarads and the develpoed from which those values and determination came. The content of the book flowed well and it was interesting material to read for someone with not too much knowlegde on the history of Spain during this time. The influence of Roman Law only increased this respect for the King, and in this case also the Queen. The King was the symbol of national and religious aspirations. The Sovereigns eventually lost control over this council and had to yield to it. They saw themselves as the supreme judge and the redresser of wrongs. As a result, the Catholic Monarchs founded an absolute monarchy. The author also included maps and a genealogical table of rulers in the back, which I thought was very useful. Isabella achieved another principle, which was the right of women to succeed the crown. The relationship between the Church and State under the rule of the Catholic Monarchs is very significant. First of all, Isabella was by far the most intelligent and dedicated of the two in carrying out her political and religious reforms. I have always wanted to read a book about Queen Isabelle, and I was very impressed by this one.
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