Guzmán

In his long and distinguished scholarly career, Miguel Ángel Ladero Quesada has explored a variety of themes, ranging from monographic studies of Seville, Granada, fiscal policy, the history of noble families, festivals and other topics. His work has shown a capacious understanding of medieval Castilian history, as well as a unique familiarity with archival sources. This substantial book brings together his many years of research on the topic, his first-hand acquaintance with the sources and a mastery of the monographic literature. His book offers a thorough study of the dukedom of Medina Sidonia, the most important noble house in medieval, early modern and present day Spain. Tracing the origins of the family’s success to the second half of the thirteenth century, the Guzmáns’ social and economic prominence rested on their role in the reconquest of western Andalusia, their adroit matrimonial alliances and deft choices in joining successfully with either the Crown or with those challenging regal authority. Beginning with the almost mythical (because of the legends associated with his life and deeds) Alonso Pérez de Guzmán el bueno (the Good) and his wife, María Alfonso Coronel, Ladero Quesada establishes a pattern for his inquiry that is replicated to great profit throughout the book

Art · Genealogy · Humanities · Political science · Wife · Classics · Hispanic-African Historical Relations · Historical Studies of Medieval Iberia · History · Law · Medieval and Early Modern Iberia