Convivencia: Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Medieval Spain

An excellent study of Medieval Spain tracing the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures that were troubled, yet thrived during the period before the Inquisition. Every student of history should peruse this book to get a perspective of both religious tolerance and intolerance. One must consider the fact that while Spain is the tail of Europe, it is also the head of Africa. Examining art, music, poetry, painting and ancient inscriptions, this book reflects Iberia's unique heritage.

Your presence is beautiful.One day the world be altogether and all human beings be brothers.Thanks a lot.Kind regards.

This appears to be a reprint of the work originally published in 1992, so I will repeat my review here.This is a catalog accompanying an exhibit at the Jewish Museum, New York, which was formally designated a project of the Spain '92 Foundation. Eight essays, a collection of catalog entries, and numerous photographs, mostly in color, reflect on the culture of Spain and al-Andalusia, and to a lesser extent Portugal and Navarre, between 711 and 1492. The focus is primarily upon the culture of the Jews, who, never being in political power, offer an interesting perspective on cultural cross-fertilization and tolerance on the Iberian peninsula.I occasionally found the essays somewhat difficult to follow, not having much background in the various subjects. The greatest disappointment is that not all of the items in the exhibit are pictured, and so reading catalog descriptions of items that one cannot see is somewhat frustrating.Despite these relatively minor criticisms, I found the book extremely enlightening, and considerably more subtle and complex than nostalgic views of a golden age. Particularly recommended in these times of religious and cultural strife.

This is a catalog accompanying an exhibit at the Jewish Museum, New York, which was formally designated a project of the Spain '92 Foundation. Eight essays, a collection of catalog entries, and numerous photographs, mostly in color, reflect on the culture of Spain and al-Andalusia, and to a lesser extent Portugal and Navarre, between 711 and 1492. The focus is primarily upon the culture of the Jews, who, never being in political power, offer an interesting perspective on cultural cross-fertilization and tolerance on the Iberian peninsula.I occasionally found the essays somewhat difficult to follow, not having much background in the various subjects. The greatest disappointment is that not all of the items in the exhibit are pictured, and so reading catalog descriptions of items that one cannot see is somewhat frustrating.Despite these relatively minor criticisms, I found the book extremely enlightening, and considerably more subtle than nostalgic views of a golden age. Particularly recommended in these times of religious and cultural strife.