The Hive
by Camilo José Cela
A daringly irreverent depiction of decadence and decay in Franco's Spain written by the 1989 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Camilo José Cela.
Basque, Delicious Recipes from Spain's Stunning Northern Coast
by Jose Pizarro
Designed to demystify the cuisine of northern Spain, this mouth-watering cookbook features 80 recipes from the Basque region (which has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other area in the world). Dishes are accompanied by evocative full-color photos.
An Englishman in Madrid
by Eduardo Mendoza
Anthony Whitelands, an English art historian, is invited to Madrid to value an aristocrat's collection. At a welcome lunch he encounters Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder and leader of the Falange, a nationalist party whose antics are bringing the country ever closer to civil war.....
The World of El Cid: Chronicles of the Spanish Reconquest
by Fletcher & Barton
Dali
by Robert Radford
A nice overview of Dali's life and important works, this Phaidon art book explains how Dali infused his work with the surreal. Includes plenty of color photographs.
The Basque History of the World
by Mark Kurlansky
Kurlansky's engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque lands takes in everything from language to culinary heritage, role in the Spanish Civil War and seafaring traditions.
A life of Picasso
by John Richardson
Richardson draws on his close friendship with Picasso, his own diaries, the collaboration of Picasso's widow Jacqueline, and unprecedented access to Picasso's studio and papers to arrive at a profound understanding of the artist and his work. (4 volumes)
The Arts in Spain: From Prehistory to Postmodernism
by John F. Moffit
A representative anthology of examples of painting, architecture and sculpture providing a critical overview of Spain. From Iberian and Roman beginnings, the book traces the development of the arts in Spain, examining the magnificent Islamic and Christian foundations at Cordoba and the Escorial, the idiosyncratic masterworks of El Greco, the Golden Age of Zurbaran and Velazquez, the art of Goya, and the innovative works of Picasso, Dali and Miro, and revealing that many of the most characteristic Spanish artistic currents had their origins at the dawn of history.
The New Spaniards
by John Hooper
John Hooper's fascinating study brings to life the new Spain of the 21st century
Antonio Gaudi, Master Architect
by Juan Bassegoda Nonell
This pocket-sized collection of Gaudi's work captures the evolution, imagination and exuberance of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
Culture Smart! Spain
by Marian Meaney
This concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture provides a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
Goya
by Enriquetta Harris
A brief, illustrated introduction to the work of Francisco Goya that includes a lengthy essay as well as 48 full-page color plates and 30 black-and-white reproductions. Perfect for museum-goers.
A Traveller's History of Spain
by Juan Lalaguna
This survey of Spanish history features a useful chronology, historical gazetteer and a long section on contemporary life. It covers early settlements through the Romans, Goths and Moors to the present.
Goya
by Robert Hughes
A biography of the great Spanish painter, by historian and art critic Robert Hughes (Barcelona).
Catalan Food: Culture and Flavors from the Mediterranean
by Daniel Olivella
Olivella masterfully combines typical recipes with historical narratives about Catalonia’s culinary traditions.
Homage to Catalonia
by George Orwell
Orwell's portrait of the Barcelona uprising and the spirit of a city at war is a classic, an observant and heartfelt report from the streets.
Spain, The Root and the Flower
by John A. Crow
An absorbing, well-written account of Spanish cultural history from prehistory to the Romans, Jews, Moors, Golden Age and on to Franco and his legacy in Spain.
Food and Wines of Spain
by Penelope Casas
A classic collection of 400 recipes, interwoven with cultural commentary and the culinary history of Spain
Made in Spain
by Chef José Andrés
Spanish Chef and philanthropist Jose Andres introduces the cuisine of Spain in this 13 episode series available on Prime.
Old Man Goya
by Julia Blackburn
Taking 1792--the year that Goya went deaf--as her starting point, Blackburn chronicles the painter's fruitful last 35 years in captivating, imaginative detail.
Ghosts of Spain
by Giles Tremlett
Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.
Spain & Portugal Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided full color map of Spain and Portugal at a scale of 1:1,000,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads and waterways.
Two Catalonias
by (Documentary)
A must see documentary on the divisions in Catalan Politics and the independence movement
A Life of Picasso
by John Richardson
Richardson draws on his close friendship with Picasso, his own diaries, the collaboration of Picasso's widow Jacqueline, and unprecedented access to Picasso's studio and papers to arrive at a profound understanding of the artist and his work. (4 volumes)
Gaudi: The Life of a Visionary
by J. Castellar-Gassol
A chronological journey covering the life and works of Gaudi
Madrid: the History
by Jules Stewart
Jules Stewart provides an insider's account of Madrid and unveils the history and culture of one of Europe's most fascinating, but least-understood cities.
The Ornament of the World, How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain
by Maria Rosa Menocal
A lively, illuminating portrait of the Andalucian Kingdom, its cultural achievements and religious tolerance from the eighth century to 1492
Barcelona
by Robert Hughes
This big, thoroughly enjoyable cultural history of the city touches on architecture, art, religion and literature from Roman outpost to today.
Surrealism
by Fiona Bradley
The history of the Surrealist movement featuring Magritte, Ernst, Dali and others. Includes many color illustrations.
The History of Spain - Land on a Crossroad
by Great Courses Documentary series
Professor Emerita Joyce E. Salisbury of the University of Wisconsin unfurls a broad and fascinating panorama of Spanish history, spanning the centuries from the first Neolithic settlement of the peninsula to Spain’s 20th century Civil War in this documentary series.
España - A Brief History of Spain
by Giles Tremlett
Bestselling author and journalist, Giles Tremlett delves into the rich and varied history of Spain, from prehistoric times to today, in a brief, accessible and enjoyable account.
The Illustrated biography of Antoni Gaudí
by Carlos Giordano, Nicolas Palmisano
This book describes in detail the life of a man whose pursuit of perfection was his driving force.
Painting in Spain 1500-1700
by Jonathan Brown
Velazquez and El Greco are but a few of the Spanish artists discussed in this in-depth study of the art produced during Spain's Golden Age.
Catalonia: A Cultural History
by Michael Eaude
Michael Eaude traces the checkered history and unique monuments of Catalonia through the ages
Winter in Madrid
by C.J. Sansom
A vivid and haunting depiction of wartime Spain, Winter in Madrid offers an intimate and riveting tale that offers a remarkable sense of history unfolding
¡Guerra!
by Jason Webster
Jason Webster journeys across Spain, this time to explore the lasting effects of the Spanish Civil War. Could the divisions that led to the conflict still be simmering under the surface, and is it possible they could erupt again?
Gaudi: The Life of a Visionary
by J. Castellar-Gassol
A chronological journey covering the life and works of Gaudi
Eyewitness Guide Spain
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb, colorful guide covering all of Spain features bright photography, dozens of maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.