description | Henry Charles Lea's extensive research on the Inquisition produced works of such breadth and detail that they continue to be essential references for contemporary researchers. Lea's general level of mastery of archives from all over Europe and his ability to read source material in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, French, Italian, and German, make it difficult for subsequent scholarship to rival that in his works, published over a hundred years ago. This collection contains copies of the archival material which Lea drew upon heavily in the preparation of his books. These copies, made and sent to Lea from various European archives, were donated to the University of Pennsylvania as part of Lea's library. |