The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise


Book Description

A finalist for World Magazine's Book of the Year! Scholars, journalists, and even politicians uphold Muslim-ruled medieval Spain—"al-Andalus"—as a multicultural paradise, a place where Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in harmony. There is only one problem with this widely accepted account: it is a myth. In this groundbreaking book, Northwestern University scholar Darío Fernández-Morera tells the full story of Islamic Spain. The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise shines light on hidden history by drawing on an abundance of primary sources that scholars have ignored, as well as archaeological evidence only recently unearthed. This supposed beacon of peaceful coexistence began, of course, with the Islamic Caliphate's conquest of Spain. Far from a land of religious tolerance, Islamic Spain was marked by religious and therefore cultural repression in all areas of life and the marginalization of Christians and other groups—all this in the service of social control by autocratic rulers and a class of religious authorities. The Myth of the Andalusian Paradise provides a desperately needed reassessment of medieval Spain. As professors, politicians, and pundits continue to celebrate Islamic Spain for its "multiculturalism" and "diversity," Fernández-Morera sets the historical record straight—showing that a politically useful myth is a myth nonetheless.




The Andalusian Fowl


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The Andalusian Knitting and Netting Book


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The Andalusian Knitting and Netting Book by Eléonore Riego de la Branchardière: Discover the artistry of knitting and netting with this historical pattern book by Eléonore Riego de la Branchardière. Originally published in the 19th century, the book provides detailed instructions and designs for various needlework projects, allowing modern readers to explore the intricate world of vintage knitting and netting techniques. Key Aspects of the Book "The Andalusian Knitting and Netting Book": Historical Needlework: The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the needlework practices of the 19th century and serves as a valuable resource for historical knitting enthusiasts. Patterns and Designs: "The Andalusian Knitting and Netting Book" includes a wide range of patterns for shawls, collars, and other accessories, showcasing the creativity of the era. Preservation of Tradition: The book's republication preserves traditional needlework knowledge and encourages the continuation of historical crafting techniques. Eléonore Riego de la Branchardière, born in 1813, was a French author and needlework designer. She gained recognition for her contributions to the art of knitting and netting, publishing pattern books that disseminated her designs to a wider audience. "The Andalusian Knitting and Netting Book" exemplifies her dedication to preserving and sharing traditional needlework methods, making it a valuable resource for crafters and historians alike.







The Village Against the World


Book Description

One hundred kilometers from Seville, there is a small village, Marinaleda, that for the last thirty years has been at the center of a long struggle to create a communist utopia. In a story reminiscent of the Asterix books, Dan Hancox explores the reality behind the community where no one has a mortgage, sport is played in the Che Guevara stadium and there are monthly "Red Sundays" where everyone works together to clean up the neighbourhood. In particular he tells the story of the village mayor, Sanchez Gordillo, who in 2012 became a household name in Spain after leading raids on local supermarkets to feed the Andalucian unemployed.







The Poultry Book


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The Fortnightly


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