The final volume of Jean Plaidy's magnificent trilogy on the SpanishInquisition traces the tyrannous reign of Philip II, the accession of theBourbons and the subsequent dawning of a new era of enlightenment. UnderPhilip II, the dreaded Inquisition flourished. His most fervent desire wasto extend the merciless persecution of heretics to all his dominions. Thetoll was terrible. Where men clung steadfastly to their beliefs, they weretortured, burnt, buried alive. Then the coming of the Bourbons brought a newstability, an atmosphere abhorring bigotry. At last the Inquisition whichhad brought so much misery to so many was over.