A History of Spain - Paperback

by Simon Barton (Author)

An invaluable introductory textbook that provides students with a concise overview of the whole sweep of Spanish history, from its prehistoric origins right through to the present day. Simon Barton offers a clear and balanced account of the country's strikingly rich and diverse history.

This is an ideal core text for dedicated modules on Spanish History and Iberian History, or a supplementary text for broader modules on European History, which may be offered at all levels of an undergraduate History, Spanish or European Studies degree. In addition it is a crucial resource for students who may be studying the history of Spain for the first time as part of a taught postgraduate degree in Spanish, European History, Spanish History or European Studies.

New to this Edition:
- Revised and updated throughout in light of the latest research
- Provides coverage of recent events, such as the 2004 Madrid bombings, the general election of 2008 and the legalization of gay marriage
- Includes additional maps and figures

Back Jacket

Spain is different' was for a long time the explanation proffered by historians when they sought to explain the course of the nation's exceptionally rich and varied history. Spain was the only region in the medieval West (along with Sicily) to experience Islamic conquest; the first nation to lay claim to a global empire and the first to lose it; and the country in which the extreme forces of the Left and the Right were to act out one of the bloodiest confrontations Europe has known. Today, however, as Spain has become firmly integrated into the political and economic structures of the European Union, the long-held notion that the country is a nation apart no longer seems valid. Simon Barton probes the extent to which Spain should be regarded as an exceptional case and provides a highly-readable, lucid and balanced account of its vibrant and colourful history, from its origins to the present day.

This second edition of a highly successful text has been revised and expanded in the light of new scholarship, and now features additional maps and figures. Barton brings the story right up to date with coverage of recent events, such as the 2004 Madrid bombings and the general election of 2008.

Author Biography

SIMON BARTON is Professor of Spanish History at the University of Exeter, UK.
SIMON BARTON is Professor of Spanish History at the University of Exeter, UK.