Description
Book SynopsisFollowing Spain’s transition to democracy in the 1970s, the country experienced rapid economic modernization, the establishment of a functioning liberal democracy, and a cultural renaissance. Along with rising living standards, over the following thirty years ordinary Spaniards experienced massive improvements in the road and rail networks, in local amenities—from sporting facilities to centers for the aged—and in the public health system. As a result, by the start of the 20th century Spaniards had largely overcome any sense of inferiority in comparison with other major western European countries and the United States. However, Spain was hit by a severe economic recession between 2008 and 2011, and unemployment levels are still very high. Moreover, a large number of corruption cases have come to light, and tensions between the central government and Catalan autonomous government have burst into open conflict. Restructuring the Spanish economy, ensuring probity in public life, and accommodating Catalonia within the Spanish state are therefore key tasks in the decade the lies ahead. This third edition of the Historical Dictionary of Spain contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 700 cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as aspects of the country’s politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. The book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Spain.
Trade ReviewLike other titles in the various historical dictionary series, this one begins with a chronology (1469-April 27, 2017), a list of abbreviations and acronyms, and a general introduction that covers the land and people, the period of Spanish empire (1479-1898), the Spanish Civil War, the period of democracy building, and globalization, among many other things. As expected, the entries (approximately 700) are listed in an A to Z format; they may contain bold-face cross-references and see references. Entries vary in length from a short paragraph to many pages—the Franco Regime entry comprises nearly ten pages. For those wanting to do further reading and research, there is a nearly eighty-page bibliography divided by topic so users can jump, for example, to works on Basque nationalism. The last edition of this book was published nearly a decade ago. This updated version incorporates vital political, economic, and other changes in Spain over the last ten years and is recommended for public and academic libraries. * American Reference Books Annual *
Table of ContentsEditor’s Foreword, by Jon Woronoff Reader’s Note List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Chronology Introduction The Dictionary Appendixes Bibliography About the Author
