Abstract:

; Evaluates ‘From Christianity to Judaism: The Story of Isaac Orobio de Castro,’ by Yosef Kaplan. Argument that the life and work of Orobio, a Spanish physician and victim of Inquisition, are ‘symbolic of the fate and fortunes of the Spanish and Portuguese diaspora’ in 17th century western Europe; More of a biography; Presentation of Orobio as a unique individual; Merit of the polemic of Orobio with Juan de Prado, an excommunicated Jew.