Alonso de Zorita
Subtitle: royal judge and Christian humanist, 1512-1585
By: Ralph H. Vigil.
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Published: 1987
Place of publication: Norman
Language: eng
Number of pages: 382
Subjects: Zurita, Alonso de, ca. 1512-1585.; Judges -- Dominican Republic -- Biography.; Judges -- Spain -- Colonies -- Biography.; Indians of Central America -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- History.; Humanists -- Dominican Republic -- Biography.; Dominican Republic -- Intellectual life -- 16th century.; Spain -- Intellectual life -- 1516-1700.
Description: "This lively biography illuminates a key role in the Hispanic New World, that of the oidor, or royal judge, appointed by the Spanish monarch to administer justice and law among settlers and subjects. Alonso de Zoria played his role as oidor conscientiously--loyal to the crown, orthodox in faith, attentive to duty. But he tempered his duties with a humanist's interest in the native cultures of the places where he served--Santo domingo, New Granada, Guatemala, and Mexico. His belief in the dignity of humankind led him to record his observations about the native peoples with a genuine respect for their ways. His attitude aligns him with Rousseau, Montaigne, and his own contemporary, Fray Bartolomé de las Casas"--Jacket.
Notes: Bibliography: p. 345-363.
Includes index.