Mad for God, written by Sara Tilghman Nalle, is a microhistory about the life of a Spanish wool carder, his sacrilegious statements and beliefs, and his trial at the hands of the Inquisition in 16th century Spain. Nalle dissects this time period with a revisionist approach; she attempts a historical reconstruction and succeeds in humanizing the actions of certain clergy and officers of the Holy Catholic Church. By including personal details about the thought process and decision making of lead inquisitor Pedro Cortes, Nalle allows readers to understand the time period and cultural beliefs of individuals in 16th century Spain. Mad for God is a gripping tale of injustice, heterodoxy, and one man’s journey towards religious madness.
Nalle, a professor at William Patterson University in New Jersey, specializes in European and Spanish History. She is a graduate of both Bryn Mawr and John Hopkins, obtaining Bachelors, Masters, and a PhD in History. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards and the author of peer-reviewed articles and essays. Some of Nalle’s awards include the Roland Bainton Prize, the Harold J. Grimm Prize, and being a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow. Nalle has also received several sabbaticals and grants in order to travel to …show more content…
Sanchez’s trial takes place during a seven-year period, from 1553 – 1660, with his original vision of the Virgin Mary appearing three years before his trial begins in 1550. However, Mad for God does not only take place within this decade; Chapter 4 “Lessons Learned at Home” explains in great detail the time period that Sanchez grew up during and the issues that the citizens of Cardenete faced. This chapter, while seemingly misplaced, allows for better understanding of Sanchez’s thought process, his religious theories, and the environment that he lived in – one centered around religion and the beliefs of the Holy Catholic
Nalle, a professor at William Patterson University in New Jersey, specializes in European and Spanish History. She is a graduate of both Bryn Mawr and John Hopkins, obtaining Bachelors, Masters, and a PhD in History. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards and the author of peer-reviewed articles and essays. Some of Nalle’s awards include the Roland Bainton Prize, the Harold J. Grimm Prize, and being a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow. Nalle has also received several sabbaticals and grants in order to travel to …show more content…
Sanchez’s trial takes place during a seven-year period, from 1553 – 1660, with his original vision of the Virgin Mary appearing three years before his trial begins in 1550. However, Mad for God does not only take place within this decade; Chapter 4 “Lessons Learned at Home” explains in great detail the time period that Sanchez grew up during and the issues that the citizens of Cardenete faced. This chapter, while seemingly misplaced, allows for better understanding of Sanchez’s thought process, his religious theories, and the environment that he lived in – one centered around religion and the beliefs of the Holy Catholic