The rich cultural and political life of Spain has emerged from its complex history, from the diversity of its peoples, and from continual contact with outside influences. This book traces that history from prehistoric times to the present, focusing particularly on culture, society, politics, and personalities. It introduces the key themes that have shaped Spain's history and culture. These include its varied landscapes and climates; the impact of waves of diverse human migrations; the importance of its location as a bridge between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and between Europe and Africa. Religion also plays a role, including militant Catholicism and its centuries of conflict with Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism, as well as debates over the place of the church in Spain. Also included are information on major cultural figures, and places to see. -- From back cover.

Includes maps of: Physical Iberia; Roman Hispania; Iberia, Late Eleventh Century; Iberia, Late Thirteenth Century; Spain, Traditional Regions; Spanish America, c. 1790; Current Administrative Divisions. First published 2010, reprinted 2011.

Preface -- 1. The land and its early inhabitants -- 2. Ancient legacies -- 3. Diversity in medieval Spain -- 4. The rise of Spain to international prominence -- 5. Spain as the first global empire -- 6. Toward modernity : from the Napoleonic invasion to Alfonso XIII -- 7. The struggle for the Spanish soul : Republic, civil war, and dictatorship -- 8. New Spain, new Spaniards : European, democratic, and multicultural.