España: A Brief History of Spain

Historian Tremlett (Ghosts of Spain) surveys Spain from ancient times to the Covid-19 pandemic in this brisk and informative account. Contending that Spain “has struggled constantly to fuse together a fractured soul,” Tremlett documents the region’s early history as a nexus where Christianity, Islam, and Judaism coexisted but contends that religious tolerance “was never as consistent or harmonious as it is frequently depicted.” The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragón in 1469 brought their separate kingdoms into “something that, at least geographically, looks much like modern Spain,” but their rule also gave rise to the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews and Muslims. Documenting the sweep of Spanish conquistadors through North and South America in the 16th century, Tremlett contends that “Empire... helped unite Spain, not least because so many Spaniards could share in the project of despoiling it.” Tensions caused by Spain’s multiple national identities continued to provoke conflicts, however, including the three Carlist wars in the 19th century and Gen. Francisco Franco’s military coup in 1936. Alongside the geopolitical events, Tremlett spotlights cultural figures including Miguel de Cervantes and painters Velázquez and Goya. Tremlett packs a ton of information into a concise package, though the lack of a narrative through line sometimes makes for a choppy reading experience. Still, this is an accessible introduction to Spain’s multifaceted history. Illus. (Sept.)