Grandees Americas Sephardic Elite
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
Stephen Birmingham tells the rich and varied history of the Sephardic elite--an insular group of bewilderingly interrelated families, spiced with gossip and the gentle rattling of family skeletons. This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:006010337X
Release Date:January 1971
Publisher:Harpercollins Publisher
Weight:1.80 lbs.
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Brought a whole history of people to vivid life
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
I didn't know much about the Sephardim, though I have am descended from some. I was fascinated about the Jewish-Moorish links and also, the prominence of so many Jews in Spain, Italy, Portugal, before the Inquisition. The characters virtually sprang off the page, though of course the details available for those of later date were more available than for the Dark Ages. I would have been fascinated to know more about that... It was also interesting to learn about the entangled family trees. To the other reviewer, I'd note that people always want to read about scandal and actions outside the ordinary. And it is certainly true that like any other preeminent members of society, they were exclusive in nature rather than inclusive. I bought this book originally as a souvenir at the State Museum of Virginia in Richmond over a year ago and it's remarkable how many details I still remember. The book really sticks to you! Plus, it really adds to other areas of study that you may follow -- whether you are into Medieval era, Dark Ages, weaponry/torture, the Diaspora, Colonial Era, Jewish-Arab relations, the Catholic Church.
fascinating picture of a closed society
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book does what good histories should do, open up doors to inaccessible places. Well written and incisive, it tracks a part of our history not well known. Especially fascinating were the accounts of how the first 44 came to America, and the story of the Civil War admiral. I'll read more of his books.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
