The Inquisition The Hammer of Heresy Author:Edward Burman The Inquisition inspired fear for centuries. Instituted to suppress heresy, it developed into a powerful body, wreaking the most terrible tortures and punishments on those who fell foul of it. The Cathars in southern France, Galileo, the Knight Templar and even St Teresa of Avila were all investigated, and the Spanish Inquisition, under Tomas de... more » Torquemada, had a particular reputation for cruelty that was feared throughout Europe.This clear and objective account of the most notorious institutions of medieval Europe - now called 'The Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith' - covers its activities in Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Latin America. The book compares the actions of the Catholic Church with those of secular powers and reveals the true number of people sentenced to death by the Inquisition.« less