While a great deal has been written about Spain's minority populations of Jewish and Muslim origin in the late medieval and early modern periods, relatively little scholarly attention has been devoted to its gypsies. Drawing extensively on the author's archival research in Spain, The Gypsies of Early Modern Spain, 1425-1783 is the first major study in English of the first three and a half centuries in Spain of a people, its gypsies or gitanos, who, despite their elevation by Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike to culturally iconic status in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, have until now remained largely invisible to history in the English-speaking world. The book also offers insights into the nature and limits of royal power in early modern Spain, the Spanish Church and the Inquisition, and the complex larger society through which the gypsies moved.
'The story of the gypsies of early modern Spain is very much a journey through an often hidden side of that period, for we see things not only from the viewpoint of the strong but also from that of the weak. Thanks to this excellent study [...] we are able to see early modern Spain from a multitude of perspectives that offer a much richer and more complex view of Golden-Age Spain than we have been accustomed to. Scholars and students alike will find reading this book a rewarding experience.' - Trevor Dadson, Hispanic Research Journal
'A compelling analysis of the gypsy presence in Spain over the course of four centuries..Richard J. Pym's new book is an important addition to the scholarship on marginalized groups in early modern Spain.' - Elizabeth A. Lehfeldt, American Historical Review
'This is a fascinating and meticulously researched study.' - Helen Rawlings, Bulletin of Spanish Studies
'...a fascinating study that will interest students and general readers alike. It will also be invaluable for specialists seeking to understand the nature and limitations of royal authority in early modern Spain.' - A. Malcolm, The English Historical Review
Introduction
The Early Years
Under One God
The Road to the Sea
Years of Crisis
Representations
Purging the Body Politic
The Spanish Church and the Gypsies
The Failure of the Laws and the Last Habsburg
The Bourbon Period
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
RICHARD J. PYM is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hispanic Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. He has published on a wide range of topics relating to the society and literary and visual culture of early modern Spain.
Description
While a great deal has been written about Spain's minority populations of Jewish and Muslim origin in the late medieval and early modern periods, relatively little scholarly attention has been devoted to its gypsies. Drawing extensively on the author's archival research in Spain, The Gypsies of Early Modern Spain, 1425-1783 is the first major study in English of the first three and a half centuries in Spain of a people, its gypsies or gitanos, who, despite their elevation by Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike to culturally iconic status in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, have until now remained largely invisible to history in the English-speaking world. The book also offers insights into the nature and limits of royal power in early modern Spain, the Spanish Church and the Inquisition, and the complex larger society through which the gypsies moved.
Reviews
'The story of the gypsies of early modern Spain is very much a journey through an often hidden side of that period, for we see things not only from the viewpoint of the strong but also from that of the weak. Thanks to this excellent study [...] we are able to see early modern Spain from a multitude of perspectives that offer a much richer and more complex view of Golden-Age Spain than we have been accustomed to. Scholars and students alike will find reading this book a rewarding experience.' - Trevor Dadson, Hispanic Research Journal
'A compelling analysis of the gypsy presence in Spain over the course of four centuries..Richard J. Pym's new book is an important addition to the scholarship on marginalized groups in early modern Spain.' - Elizabeth A. Lehfeldt, American Historical Review
'This is a fascinating and meticulously researched study.' - Helen Rawlings, Bulletin of Spanish Studies
'...a fascinating study that will interest students and general readers alike. It will also be invaluable for specialists seeking to understand the nature and limitations of royal authority in early modern Spain.' - A. Malcolm, The English Historical Review
Contents
Introduction
The Early Years
Under One God
The Road to the Sea
Years of Crisis
Representations
Purging the Body Politic
The Spanish Church and the Gypsies
The Failure of the Laws and the Last Habsburg
The Bourbon Period
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Authors
RICHARD J. PYM is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hispanic Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. He has published on a wide range of topics relating to the society and literary and visual culture of early modern Spain.
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