The History of Spain, 2nd Edition

by Peter Pierson

This updated and expanded edition of The History of Spain offers an in-depth examination of Europe's fifth largest economy, providing important coverage on the last two decades of Spanish history in particular. Following a general introduction to Spain, its government, and the diversity of its people and geography, this volume follows Spain's unique history chronologically from the earliest archeological evidence. Starting with Spain's incorporation into the Roman Empire, subsequent chapters cover Spain's medieval experience of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism; its unification; its "Golden Age" of world empire and cultural splendor; Napoleon's invasion of Spain; and its troubled period that lasted for more than a century. The volume examines why, in 1936, Spain exploded into civil war followed by three dozen years of dictatorship. It also gives extended treatment to Spain's successful transition to democracy since 1975. Ideal for a general reader, student, or traveler, The History of Spain provides a concise and lively introduction to Spain, its people, and traditions.

Genres: History, Spain, Nonfiction, Travel

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Spain, or at least I used to until reading this book. Not only is it hard to keep up with all the people they mention in the several centuries they discuss but the way it's written isn't as easy to follow as I hoped. I will say I did learn alot about the Spaniards. All about the eradicating of those who were Moroccan in southern Spain. The religious wrath that came upon those who were not of Catholic faith. There were some seriously surprising things in there that I was not expecting. I am not a history person at all so maybe that's why I didn't get as much as expected out of this book. Then again I did learn about the ins & outs of Spain, the people, culture, various areas, dialects, etc.

[Samuel Pratt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a textbook so it can be dry, but that being said, for those who enjoy history it is a good read.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star rating. This book is exactly what you'd expect. A general history of Spain from Early Antiquity to the Post-Cold War era. Well-paced throughout. If you want to learn more about Spain and aren't very well-versed in the country's history, this is a phenomenal place to start; will also open the door to further research into more specific topics if you so choose.

[Sean Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a lot of interesting bits of information here, but overall this was pretty dry. However, that is to be expected since this is an account of the entire history of Spain condensed into less than 200 pages.

[Brynn De Bruyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Technically a school book but I enjoyed it outside of that context. Spanish history is so interesting and Pierson told it in an entertaining, personal fashion that read like a drama.

Sometimes it was hard to follow all the back-and-forths but that’s just Spanish history for you

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Books like this help explain why so many people hate history. Instead of using broad strokes to paint a picture of what Spain has been like for the past few thousand years, the book drowns the reader in detail (mostly political) and never shows what makes Spain what it is. It's hard to imagine the intended audience; readers who want the political minutiae will not be satisfied with the short space allotted to any particular event, and those who want to understand the big picture won't be able to find it in these pages. I was able to pull out a few interesting tidbits, but that was not enough.

[David Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if, say, you just started dating a Spaniard and you were trying desperately to impress him/her and any relevant members of your beaux's social network. The book kind of traipses quickly through ancient history, electing rather to dwell mostly on the moorish occupation and Reconquista, and the modern era (i.e. leading up to, into, and out of the dicatorship and Civil War). It's concise enough to be a leisurely read. Don't expect to pursue a Ph.D. in Spanish history because of your reading.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

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