Why a Booktrail?
1600s: Fifteenth-century Spain is a richly multicultural place, but also a dangerous one
The Apprentice’s Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain
What you need to know before your trail
Fifteenth-century Spain is a richly multicultural society in which Jews, Muslims and Christians coexist. But under the zealous Christian Queen Isabella, the country abruptly becomes one of the most murderously intolerant places on Earth.
It is in this atmosphere that the Benvenistes, a family of scribes, attempt to eke out a living. The family has a secret-they are conversos: Jews who converted to Christianity. Now, with neighbors and friends turned into spies, fear hangs in the air.
One day a young man is delivered to their door. His name is Amir, and he wears the robe and red patch of a Muslim.
Travel Guide
BookTrail Travel to Cordoba, Andalucia
Spain has always been a place of stories. In fact, the first great novel, Don Quixote, came from Spain. Medieval Spaniards were enchanted by tales of knights and ladies, and even the kings and nobles loved the rather far-fetched story of their origin from the Greek demigod Hercules.
In the years leading up to what history books call the Golden Age of Spain, the country was divided into 3 separate kingdoms: Christian Castile in the centre, Christian Aragon to the east and the small but important Granada, ruled by the Muslim dynasty of the Nazrids, on the southern tip.
The Spanish city of Cordoba was the seat of the Caliphs and Jews and Christians were allowed to follow their own religion.
Then there was a Christian reconquest of Spain. Muslims and Jews were treated with respect at first.
But..
Cordoba soon became a place of fear. Years later, the Holy Office of the Spanish Inquisition was born – it’s purpose to ferret out heresy against the Catholic faith.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Apprentice’s Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain
Destination: Spain, Andalucia, Cordoba Author/guide: Melanie Little Departure Time: 1600s
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