Alonso Tostado (M / Spain, c1400-1455), scholar
Alonso Tostado (1400c-1455) was a Spanish scholar. Also known as Al(f)onso Fernández de Madrigal, Alphonsus Tostatus, Tostatus Abulensis
A Spanish theologian, councillor of John II of Castile and briefly bishop of Ávila, Tostado was the author of biblical commentaries.
Biography
After a course of grammar under the Franciscans he entered the University of Salamanca, where, besides philosophy and theology, he studied civil and canon law, Greek, Hebrew, and the other branches then comprised in the curriculum of a university.
At twenty-two he began to lecture on a wide variety of subjects to large audiences attracted by his learning. Later he assisted with distinction at the Council of Basle.
In 1443 he visited the papal court at Siena, Italy.
On his return to Spain he was appointed grand Chancellor of Castile, and in 1449 Bishop of Avila, whence his title Abulensis. Besides a Spanish commentary on the chronicles of Eusebius and other minor works, he wrote commentaries on the historical books of the Old Testament as far as II Paralipomenon, and on the gospel of St. Matthew, containing many digressions on dogmatic and other subjects. An edition of his works in 13 folio volumes was published at Venice in 1507 and 1547; a more complete edition in 24 folio volumes appeared at the same place in 1615, and another in 27 folio volumes in 1728.