Contradictory Muslims in the Literature of Medieval Iberian Christians

This book argues that literary and historiographical works written by Iberian Christians between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries promoted contradictory representations of Muslims in order to advocate for their colonization through the affirmation of Christian supremacy. Ambivalent depictions of cultural difference are essential for colonizers to promote their own superiority, as explained by postcolonial critics and observed in medieval and early modern texts in Castilian, Catalan, and Portuguese, such as the Cantar de mio Cid, Cantigas de Santa Maria, Llibre dels fets, Estoria de España, Crónica geral de 1344, Tirant lo Blanch, and Os Lusíadas. In all these works, the contradictions of Muslim enemies, allies, and subjects allow Christian leaders to prevail and profit through their opposition and collaboration with them. Such colonial dynamics of simultaneous belligerence and assimilation determined the ways in which Portugal, Spain, and later European powers interacted with non-Christians in Africa, Asia, and even the Americas.

Chapter 1. Introduction. Friendly Chivalrous Enemies: Contradiction, Stereotypes, and Colonialism in the Representations of Muslims by Medieval Christians.- Chapter 2. Indispensable Enemies, Subjects, and Friends: The Political Instrumentalization of Muslims in the Cantar de mio Cid.- Chapter 3. The Learned Conquerors and Their Muslims: Intercultural Conflict and Collaboration in the Cantigas de Santa Maria and the Llibre dels fets.- Chapter 4. From Great Muslim Heroes to Good Christian Subjects: Converting the Legend of the Seven Infantes of Lara.- Chapter 5. Across the Mediterranean and Beyond: Fighting Islam by Embracing Muslims in Tirant lo Blanch.- Chapter 6. An Empire of Faith and Its Infidels: Portuguese Colonialism and Muslims, According to Os Lusíadas and Its Sources.- Chapter 7. Conclusion. Christian Supremacy and Contradictory Non-Christians Beyond Muslims and Iberia

Marcelo E. Fuentes is Assistant Professor at New Jersey City University. He has previously been an instructor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Augsburg University, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, and Rutgers University.