The Carvajals is the historical account of one Jewish family's adventures in the New World. The fascinating gallery of characters, their voyage from Europe to New Spain, their initial business successes, their passions, friendships and intrigues, their networking with other Jews to avoid persecution by the Inquisition, and the ultimate indignities and horrific tortures inflicted upon them by the Holy Office are re-created by author Alfonso Toro in captivating detail.
Mr. Toro, an employee of Mexico's National Archive during the 1930's when this book was written, bases his narrative on exhaustive documented research of inestimable value to students of history and religion, yet his tale is full of life and of the vivid personalities of the characters whose saga he recounts in meticulous and loving detail.
Dr. Frances Harnández's translation of Alfonso Toro's study of the Carvajal family was for her a labor of love. Her untimely death in 1999 prevented the final touches she may have wished, but the work stands as a monument to her dedication.
ISBN 0-87404-247-X Hardback $50.00
7 x 10, 525 pp., 2002
To order, write: Texas Western Press, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0633---or use the Texas Western Press toll-free number (for ordering only): (800) 488-3789---or order by e-mail