A History of Spain founded on the Historia de España y de la civilización española of Rafael Altamira

This single‑volume work gathers the essential currents of Spanish civilization for readers on both sides of the Atlantic. Rather than presenting a parade of battles, it follows the evolution of institutions—law, religion, economics, and ideas—using the political timeline only as a framework. The author adapts material from a monumental Spanish study, distilling it into a clear narrative that remains anchored in the cultural forces that shaped the nation.

The focus falls heavily on the period from the mid‑thirteenth century through the early nineteenth, with particular attention to the years 1479‑1808 when Spain’s institutions reached their mature form and began to travel across the ocean. By highlighting the development of Spain’s legal codes, educational systems, and religious practices, the book illuminates how these structures later influenced the emerging societies of the New World. It serves both as a classroom guide and a handy reference for anyone seeking a deeper grasp of Spain’s lasting legacy.