A concise and very readable history that explores not just the history of Spain itself, but of Spain in the world, from Columbus's first voyage, in 1492, that was central to Spain's global impact, to the loss of Cuba, the Philippines and Puerto Rico in 1898. Spain's colonies were vitally important to its domestic and European position.

Despite being relatively brief, this very readable history covers environmental, political, social, economic, cultural and artistic elements, and is very open to regional variations and to the extent that the history of the peninsula and of its political groupings was far from inevitable. Its tone is accessible, supported by boxes providing supplemental information, and is perfect for travellers to Spain.