Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors

Dogs of God chronicles the pivotal year of 1492 in Spain through three parallel narratives: Columbus's preparation for his historic voyage, the Spanish Inquisition under Tomás de Torquemada, and the final Granada campaign against the Moors. The book reconstructs this crucial period through primary sources and contemporary accounts. The narrative tracks the consolidation of power under Ferdinand and Isabella as they pursue their vision of a unified Catholic Spain. Religious persecution, military conquest, and maritime exploration intersect as the monarchs reshape the Iberian peninsula according to their ambitions. Reston examines the complex motivations and competing interests of key figures including Columbus, Torquemada, Boabdil of Granada, and the Catholic monarchs themselves. The political, religious and economic forces at work reveal how Spain's actions in 1492 would influence centuries of world history. The book illuminates enduring questions about religious tolerance, cultural identity, and the relationship between church and state power. Through its focused examination of this transformative year, Dogs of God provides perspective on conflicts and tensions that continue to resonate today.

Readers found this history text engaging but uneven in its coverage of interconnected events in 1492 Spain. Many noted Reston's talent for narrative storytelling and appreciated the parallel examination of the Inquisition, Columbus's voyage, and the fall of Granada. Readers valued: - Clear connections between seemingly separate historical events - Rich details about medieval Spanish life and culture - Accessible writing style for complex subject matter Common criticisms: - Lack of depth on the Moorish perspective - Too much focus on battles and military campaigns - Some historical claims made without sufficient evidence - Oversimplified treatment of religious conflicts Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Several reviewers mentioned the book works better as an introduction to the period rather than a scholarly text. One Amazon reviewer noted: "Reads like a novel but occasionally sacrifices historical accuracy for dramatic effect."

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🔹 Author James Reston Jr. is the son of legendary New York Times journalist James "Scotty" Reston, and worked as David Frost's Watergate researcher for the famous Nixon interviews 🔹 The book connects three seemingly separate events of 1492: Columbus's voyage, the Spanish Inquisition, and the fall of Granada (the last Moorish stronghold in Spain), revealing how they were deeply intertwined 🔹 The title "Dogs of God" (Domini Canes in Latin) refers to the Dominican Order of friars, who were the primary administrators of the Spanish Inquisition 🔹 During the period covered in the book, Spain's Jewish population went from being the largest in Europe to virtually non-existent within just a few years due to expulsion and forced conversion 🔹 The book details how Queen Isabella used the wealth seized from expelled Jews and conquered Moors to fund Columbus's expedition to the New World