Podcast
Empire: World History
The book was highlighted in two episodes for illustrating Spain's unique religious diversity and centuries-long coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and Christians, as well as shared cultural elements like Seville's architecture. Host Anita Arnon praised it as her book of the year, and the author Brian Katloss was featured to discuss its insights. The discussion emphasized the complex, mixed nature of medieval Spain, positioning the title as a standout recommendation for listeners.
Episode: 143. Isabella of Castile: The Spanish Inquisition,...
It was mentioned multiple times during the episode, highlighting Spain's unique religious diversity during the Middle Ages, and how it differed from other parts of Europe. It was also pointed out that the architecture of Seville, often considered Moorish, is a shared trait among the cultures of Spain, showcasing a deeper connection than what is evident today.
And today once again we are delighted to be joined by Brian Katloss, author of Kingdoms of Faith, a New History of Islamic Spain, a man recently in reception of the Guggenheim Fellowship for Research, who is here again to continue the discussion about Isabella Isabel of Castile, a woman who was a pivotal point in European history.
But Brian, we're heading into territory now where something unusual is happening because as you've shown magnificently in your book, Kingdoms of Faith, Spain is unusual in Europe in that it is an entire peninsula where three different faiths have not always with happy-clappy enthusiasm and sort of mutual love, but certainly a measure of long lasting coexistence have successfully lived together.
And you also show remarkably in your book how things that we see as very Moorish, the architecture of Seville, for example, actually is something which is common to all these cultures and they share a lot more than we see with our eyes today.
Episode: 142. Isabella of Castile: Uniting Spain
The book tells a complex story of a very mixed European country where Muslims, Jews, and Christians cohabited for hundreds of years, which was praised by the podcast host.
Branagh, I loved your book, Kingdoms of Faith, as you know because I chose it everywhere as my book of the year when it came out.
And you create in that book this very complex picture of this extremely mixed European country where Muslims, Jews and Christians cohabited for hundreds of years.