This concise, illustrated volume explores the remarkable history of Spain -- a thriving centre of Islamic civilisation for many centuries until its conquest by the Christian kings. Before long, this country has expanded to become one of the world's greatest empires, with traces of itc culture, language, and religion throughout the world. Among other historical topics, the author recounts events of the 20th century in which Spain descended into a bloody civil war and years of dictatorship, and emerged, almost miraculously, as a fully democratic state.