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

Simon Barton was Professor of Spanish History at the University of Exeter, UK. He sadly passed away in 2017.

List of Maps and Figures
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction
Origins: From Prehistory to the Visigoths
The Muslim Conquest
The Ascendancy of Christian Iberia, AD 1000-1474
The Universal Monarchy, 1474-1700
The Enlightened Despots, 1700-1833
Liberalism and Reaction, 1833-1931
The Modern Era, 1931-2008
Glossary
Chronology
Selected Further Reading
Index.