Bartolomé Bennassar (8 April 1929 – 8 November 2018) was a French historian and writer. He specialized in Spanish and Latin American history.

Career

Bennassar began as a history professor in 1952, and defended his thesis in 1957. He was a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, specializing in contemporary history of Spain and Latin America, as well as the 16th and 17th centuries. He was also a renowned critic of bullfighting.

Contributions to modern Spanish history

Bennassar wrote books titled ''Le Voyage en Espagne'' (The

Spanish Inquisition The Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition () was established in 1478 by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile and lasted until 1834. It began toward the end of ...

), ''L'Histoire des Espagnols'' (The History of the Spanish), and ''La Guerre d'Espagne et ses lendemains'' (The

Spanish Civil War The Spanish Civil War () was a military conflict fought from 1936 to 1939 between the Republican faction (Spanish Civil War), Republicans and the Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War), Nationalists. Republicans were loyal to the Left-wing p ...

and its Aftermath). He also wrote a very important biography on

Francisco Franco Francisco Franco Bahamonde (born Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco Bahamonde; 4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975) was a Spanish general and dictator who led the Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War), Nationalist forces i ...

. His most famous book, ''Last Leap'', was developed into a

film A film, also known as a movie or motion picture, is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, emotions, or atmosphere through the use of moving images that are generally, sinc ...

in 1970.

Personal life

His wife, Lucile, signed copies of ''Les Chrétiens d'Allah'' and ''Le Voyage en Espagne'' with him. His son, Jean, committed suicide in 1979 at the age of 22.

Awards

Bennassar was awarded the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise in

1987 Events January * January 1 – Bolivia reintroduces the Boliviano currency. * January 2 – Chadian–Libyan conflict – Battle of Fada: The Military of Chad, Chadian army destroys a Libyan armoured brigade. * January 3 – Afghan leader ...

. He won the Prix-Eugène Colas in 1990. In 1991, he won Prix xviie siècle for ''Les Christians d'Allah''. Bennassar received the Grand prix Gobert in 2005. He also won an

Honorary Degree An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived all of the usual requirements. It is also known by the Latin phrases ''honoris causa'' ("for the sake of the honour") or '' ad hon ...

from the

University of Valladolid The University of Valladolid is a public university located in the city of Valladolid, Valladolid province, autonomous region of Castile and Leon, Spain. Established in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest universities in the world. The ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennassar, Bartolomé 1929 births 2018 deaths Historians of Latin America Historians of Spain People from Nîmes Recipients of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise 20th-century French historians 21st-century French historians Academics and writers on the Spanish Inquisition