Spinoza and other heretics

by Yirmiyahu Yovel

Book 1 (p. 1-229), "Ha-anus shel ha-tevunah" ("The Marrano of Reason") appeared in English as "Spinoza and Other Heretics; Vol. 1: The Marrano of Reason" (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1989). Traces the origins of Spinoza's philosophy of immanence in the culture of his Marrano ancestors and in some peculiar Marrano patterns, found especially in the writings and conduct of a number of Conversos from Spain and Portugal. Describes the Jewish community of Amsterdam in the 17th century, composed mostly of former forced converts who escaped the Inquisition and reverted to Judaism. Discusses the cultural and religious consequences of forced conversion, and gives a detailed account of Marrano elements in Fernando de Rojas' "Celestina". Deals with discrimination against Conversos in 15th-16th century Spain, motivated by "limpieza de de sangre." Presents cases of autos-da-fé and trials of Marranos, and cases of Marranos who achieved high positions in the Church hierarchy. Discusses