strongly influenced by the research methods and social philosophy of the historians of the french annales school, he has attempted to combine quantitative history with sociological analysis and accessible narrative. in reaction against an earlier phase when he became immersed in statistical economic history, he has produced a number of biographies of the rulers of spain, whom he considers unduly neglected. he has also been one of the leading historians who have attacked the traditional "black legend" view of the spanish inquisition. his own views have changed since he published a book about the inquisition in the 1960s: his 1998 book provides extensive evidence that the inquisition was not made up of fanatics who rejoiced in torture and executions and that, for example, inquisition gaols were better run and more humane than ordinary spanish prisons.