The Handless Maiden | Mary Elizabeth Perry

The Handless Maiden: Moriscos and the Politics of Religion in Early Modern Spain

Accolades & Praise

• Groundbreaking Research: Steps beyond traditional histories centered on armed conflict to highlight the crucial, yet overlooked, role of Morisco women.
• Vital Insight: Masterfully utilizes archival documents, legends, and literature to reveal how the politics of religion both empowers and oppresses.

Extended Synopsis

In 1502, a decade of increasing tension between Muslims and Christians in Spain culminated in a royal decree declaring that Muslims in Castile wanting to remain had to convert to Christianity. The Handless Maiden by Mary Elizabeth Perry uses this monumental event as the starting point for a remarkable exploration of how Moriscos—converted Muslims and their descendants—responded to their systemic and increasing disempowerment in sixteenth- and early-seventeenth-century Spain.

Stepping beyond traditional historical accounts that primarily emphasize armed conflict from the perspective of the victors, this text shifts the focus directly onto Morisco women. Perry argues that the lives of these women offer vital new insights into the overall Morisco experience. Drawing on rich archival documents, regional legends, and contemporary literature, the book demonstrates that Moriscas carried out active resistance to cultural oppression through everyday rituals and quiet acts of defiance. By teaching their children the Arabic language, Islamic prayers, dietary practices, and the observation of holy days, the home—rather than the battlefield—became the major forum for Morisco-Christian interaction.

These experiences further reveal how the Morisco presence provided a necessary counter-identity for a centralizing early modern Spanish state. For modern readers, The Handless Maiden raises urgent, timeless questions about historical memory and how societies choose to weaponize or understand cultural differences.

About the Author

Mary Elizabeth Perry is an acclaimed historian and scholar specializing in the social and cultural history of early modern Spain. Her extensive research frequently centers on gender dynamics, marginalized communities, and the intricate politics of religion.

Reader Targeting

• Students and scholars focusing on early modern European and Spanish history.
• Readers interested in women's studies, gender roles, and the history of marginalized communities.
• Individuals examining the historical intersections, conflicts, and political dynamics between Christian and Islamic cultures.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Moriscos?
Moriscos were Muslims residing in Spain who were forced to convert to Christianity following a 1502 royal decree, along with their descendants.

What is the primary focus of The Handless Maiden?
The book focuses specifically on the experiences of Morisco women in sixteenth- and early-seventeenth-century Spain, exploring their pivotal role in preserving their culture and resisting oppression.

How did Morisco women resist cultural oppression?
Instead of engaging in armed conflict, they utilized the home as a platform for resistance by teaching their children the Arabic language, Islamic prayers, traditional dietary practices, and observing holy days.

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