A History of the Inquisition of Spain; vol. 4

This volume delves into the tangled relationship between the Spanish Inquisition and the mystical currents that swept through the kingdom in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It traces the rise of secretive groups, from the Alumbrados of Llerena to the fervent visions of figures such as Francisca Hernández and María de Cazalla, showing how their spiritual aspirations collided with an institution intent on preserving doctrinal uniformity.

The author also examines the procedural machinery of the Inquisition, exploring how accusations were crafted, how confessional practices were exploited, and how the courts balanced theological rigor with political expediency. Detailed case studies reveal the everyday realities of inquisitors, jurists, and accused mystics, while shedding light on broader debates over celibacy, heresy, and the limits of religious expression.

Through meticulous documentary evidence, the work paints a vivid picture of an era where faith, fear, and power intersected, inviting listeners to reconsider the human dimensions behind the notorious reputation of the Inquisition.