Alfonso, De Espina, or Spina

Alfonso, De Espina, Or Spina, a celebrated Spanish theologian and preacher, lived near the middle of the 15th century. He was, it is said, of Jewish origin, and entered the Order of Franciscans; became rector of the University of Salamanca, and bishop of Orense, in Galicia. He published a large anonymous work, entitled Fortalitium Fidei contra Judcedas Saracehos, aliosque Christiance Fidei Inimiccs (first published in 1487, then in 1494 at Nuremberg; among other editions are those of Totanus, published at Lyons, 1511 and 1524). In the third part may be found violent accusations against the Jews which served as a pretext for their persecution. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v. SEE ALPHONSO.