Critical Praise

"... [An] unusually graceful study, a sturdy and readable exploration of the 'unknown depths of cultural tolerance and symbiosis in our heritage' that may help revise our view of the Middle Ages."

——Kirkus

"A seductively written history. . . . Menocal displays a lavish sense of place that should be the envy of many novelists."

——Booklist

"We are indeed indebted to Ms. Menocal for opening up an important period of history that has remained mostly a subject for specialists."

——The Wall Street Journal

"Engaging prose and lucid insights provide glimpses into a little-discussed chapter of religios history."

——Publisher's Weekly