Unflinching history of a powerful tribunal and the human cost of zeal and authority.
This edition presents Philippus van Limborch’s historical account of the Inquisition with clarity and scholarly rigor. It traces how persecution arose, the rules and procedures used to judge and punish, and the political and religious pressures that shaped the tribunal’s reach. The work surveys the abuses, injustices, and moral questions surrounding the Inquisition, offering a careful examination of its methods and effects.
- A clear, chronological look at the rise and operation of the Inquisition and its legal framework
- Insight into how trials were conducted, witnesses gathered, and sentences carried out
- Discussion of the roles of church leaders, state authorities, and international treaties in enforcing power
- Critical perspective on the impact on everyday people and on religious conscience
Ideal for readers of legal and religious history, as well as those seeking a nuanced view of early modern power, law, and religion. This edition aims to illuminate the topic with careful scholarship and accessible language.