Engaging history of the rich cultural, social and political life of Spain from prehistoric times to the present.

A comprehensive work which offers a new and provocative approach to Spanish from political and historical perspectives.

Volume II: In the second volume of his classic exploration of the Spanish-Jewish community, Baer covers such major historical events as the Spanish Inquisition and the Expulsion of the Jews from Spain. This work examines the effect of church policy on the Jewish population in the 15th century, and the points at which Jewish culture as a whole was altered by Spain's actions.

Updated from the original 1999 publication, The History of Spain examines Spain's long and fascinating history, from the earliest cave dwellers of Altamira to today's current political strife with Catalonia. 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.

"The story of Spain during World War II has largely been viewed as the story of dictator Francisco Franco's foreign diplomacy in the aftermath of civil war. Wayne H. Bowen now goes behind the scenes of fascism to reveal less-studied dimensions of Spanish history. By examining the conflicts within the Franco regime and the daily lives of Spaniards, he has written the first book-length assessment of the regime's formative years and the struggle of its citizens to survive." "Examining the effects of World War II on key facets of Spanish life - Catholicism, the economy, women, leisure, culture, opposition to Franco, and domestic politics -Bowen explores a wide range of topics: the grinding poverty following the civil war, exacerbated by poor economic decisions; restrictions on employment for women versus the relative autonomy enjoyed by female members of the Falange; the efforts of the Church to recover from near decimation; and methods of repression practiced by the regime against leftists, separatists, and Freemasons. He also shows that the lives of most Spaniards remained apolitical and centered on work, family, and leisure marked by the popularity of American movies and the resurgence of loyalty to regional sports teams."--BOOK JACKET.