The A to Z of Spanish Culture

by Pilar Orti

The author Pilar Ortí was born and bred in Spain. She grew up in a society trying to figure out how to adapt to its new found freedom and how best to join the rest of Europe. Having lived in London now for over twenty years (time flies!), Pilar has written this "A to Z of Spanish Culture" with plenty of perspective, a bit of nostalgia and above all, a desire to demystify a country that is still represented abroad by toros and flamenco. This light book about Spain is divided into different chapters, each headed by a Spanish word that opens up a whole aspect of Spanish Spain's history, its society, traditions, art, gastronomy or language

Genres: Nonfiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2012

About the author

Pilar has been writing since she was seven, although she never thought her work would be available to the whole world.

With the increase in popularity of e-readers, Pilar dug out some of her manuscripts and other pieces of writing and even sat down to research a new book.

The result is a collection of books on theatre (including a translation of Lorca's "When Five Years Pass" that was premiered by her own theatre company in London, some years ago), Spanish culture and professional development.

Pilar still lives in London, where she works as a voiceover and trainer/facilitator.

Reviews

[Labijose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necesitaría una actualización en materia de política. Por lo demás, creo que cumple con su objetivo de introducir de manera muy somera algunos aspectos de la cultura española a aquellos que quieran visitar España por primera vez. Habla un poco de todo: costumbres, gastronomía, fiestas, panorama cultural, etc. No se especializa en nada, ni creo que haya sido ese su objetivo. Creo que se puede recomendar a aquellos extranjeros que, ante su inminente visita, pregunten por algún libro que les pueda arrojar alguna luz sobre lo que se van a encontrar. Y además se lee rápido y está escrito con desenfado.

Si lo que buscan es una guía turística, que no se molesten con esta obra. No encontrarán ese material aquí. Aunque el título creo que ya lo deja claro.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting quick read on some aspects of spanish culture ! Helping my education !

[Stephen Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a copy of this book, and Ghosts of Spain in 2015 ahead of a 6 month assignment in Vitoria-Gasteiz in Basque Country.
I’d highly recommend the latter for deeper understanding of the historical fabric of modern Spain, but this book was fantastic for bite sized snapshots of a wide range of topics.
A quick read, accessibly written in a friendly style, so I found myself absorbing the information very easily. It was great for dropping bits I'd picked up into conversations with my hosts and colleagues in Spain as conversation starters.

I gave my copy away to someone who was moving to Galicia the following year - I often find myself doing this with books that I've enjoyed - and have just got round to buying a replacement copy (3rd edition) and reread.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, easy read. Doesn’t go into anything in detail and, naturally, I found some parts a lot more interesting than others (while also being very familiar with some points and never having heard of others). As suggested by the author in the introduction, it’s good as a way to familiarise yourself briefly with lots of different aspects of Spanish culture, and for the ones that interest you, you can then explore them more deeply through other sources. I found the information about the attempted military coup in 1981, corruption within the royal family and regional Spanish identities to be fascinating and will definitely be researching these further

3/5

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to a trip to Spain if you're looking for a light non-fiction guide that will help you slot right in when you turn on the news and gives a bit more depth of understanding to what you see when out and about.

[Mihr Chand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buen libro. Muy informativo, especialmente para las personas como yo, quién no son hispanohablantes nativos.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books narrated by the author!
The Publisher's summary is indicative of the material, but not the tone. It is readily apparent that Pilar had great fun while compiling this book.
If defined as a historical, sociological, and gastronomical investigation, few would bother to read it. Yet it is all that and so much more. Like: Did you know that there is a Guggenheim museum in Spain? Are you aware of how very different the different regions are in terrain/temperature/dietary delights/artistry? Have you thought about the workday schedule or management of Holidays? Have you truly listened to a person from Spain, or do you think that Mexican or Puerto Rican Spanish is the only manner of pronunciation and word choices? Listen to the author and you will get a clue.
Whether you are planning to visit, or simply love armchair travelling, this book combines information with fun and a love of the land and it's people and presents it in a manner which is familiar yet unique. Sit back or clean the kitchen or workout and enjoy!
This book was a gift courtesy of AudioBook Blast

[Jamaiquina (Tamara) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast. com.

This book was like getting a personal guided tour of España from a friend. It is a down-to-Earth look at life and the factors that shaped a unique culture through the eyes of a native. Part history, part cultural overview, all entertaining!

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly pedestrian book about various aspects of Spanish culture. Useful as a very basic introduction to everyday life in Spain.