The Woman Who Defied Kings is the first modern; comprehensive biography of Doña Gracia Nasi; an outstanding Jewish international banker during the Renaissance. A courageous leader; she used her wealth and connections to operate an underground railroad that saved hundreds of her fellow Spanish and Portuguese conversos (Jews who had been forced to convert to Catholicism) from the horrors of the Inquisition. Born in Lisbon in 1510; she later moved onto Antwerp; Venice; and Ferrara where she was constantly negotiating with kings and emperors for better conditions for her people. Doña Gracia Nasi helped lead a boycott of the Italian port of Ancona in retaliation for the burning of 23 of her people by the Inquisition - an outrageous act in an era when Jews were more accustomed to appeasement. Finally settling in Constantinople; she persuaded Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to grant her a long-term lease on the Tiberias region of Palestine; where she spearheaded one of the earliest attempts to start an independent state for Jews in Isr'l. Doña Gracia Nasi is equally important to history because she shatters the stereotype of how women; especially Jewish women; conducted their lives during the Renaissance period. Some historians have called her the most important Jewish woman since Biblical times.
#715445 in Books University of Arkansas Press 2007-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.20 x 6.00l; .75 #File Name: 1557288631260 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy stean791This is an emotionally moving story of the civil rights struggle in Little rock Arkansas in the early 50's and the role of Daisy Gatson Bates in this struggle. Sparked by the rape/murder of her mother when she was two years old; Daisy faught hard to fight racial inequality in America. As a lone black woman; she exibited courage; drive and determination in the face of much opposition; including threats on her life and that of her husband. The story of the Little Rock Nine is told from the view point of one directly involved. The book will refresh your appreciation for the courage and determination Daisy and the nine students showed during this time. Daisy Gatson Bates was a major character in this struggle. I had heard of the Little Rock Nine but I didn't know that the struggle was actually led by a black woman. This is a must-read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very good read.By Ozzybaby82I was required to read this book and write a review on it for Arkansas History class. It truly is a good read. It elaborated some things for me that I would never had known or possibly believed had I not read this book and believed the words of Daisy Bates. She truly puts you there with them through all of the experiences they tried to overcome.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History Comes to LifeBy David W LeeWritten in a factual but narrative fashion that makes history come to life. In the beginning chapters; her last name was written as "Daisy Gatson" and "Daisy Gaston" ---- revision needed here.
