Beginner's Guide to Spanish History and Architecture

MARSKA · Apr 19, 2023

I am looking for recommendations for a book (s) that will provide me with a basic understanding of Spanish history and the significance/history of the architecture I will see along the CF. In other words, I'd like to educate myself so I can understand what I am seeing.

Something not technical or academic - just kind of an "easy read" that will provide a base upon which I can expand.

I did not pay much attention in my history classes, unfortunately.

SabsP · Apr 19, 2023

MARSKA said:
I am looking for recommendations for a book (s) that will provide me with a basic understanding of Spanish history and the significance/history of the architecture I will see along the CF. In other words, I'd like to educate myself so I can understand what I am seeing.

Something not technical or academic - just kind of an "easy read" that will provide a base upon which I can expand.

I did not pay much attention in my history classes, unfortunately.

A classic! Not to be missed.

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago

The road across northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest was one of the three major Christian pilgrimage routes during the Middle Ages, lead...

us.macmillan.com

C clearly · Apr 19, 2023

During pandemic lockdowns, we stalwart forum members created a series of threads that you might find interesting. Within those threads there are references to other sources of information. Here are the threads in that "architecture for beginners" series.

J Willhaus · Apr 19, 2023

I have read "The New Spaniards" which is overview of Spain's culture and covers many topics. It was published in 2006 so is a little old now, but still a good read.

alexwalker · Apr 19, 2023

J Willhaus said:
I have read "The New Spaniards" which is overview of Spain's culture and covers many topics. It was published in 2006 so is a little old , but still a good read.

I think @MARSKA was looking for info about things older than 2006...

J Willhaus · Apr 19, 2023

alexwalker said:
I think @MARSKA was looking for info about things older than 2006...

Yes, it covers a lot of ground. Historical and otherwise. For example it talks about current things like political parties and their history, TV, radio, and newspaper and their histories. Franco era stuff and longer historical things, too. I read it several years ago before our first Camino and it did help me understand quite a bit more about the culture and the country.

celticone · Apr 20, 2023

MARSKA said:
I am looking for recommendations for a book (s) that will provide me with a basic understanding of Spanish history and the significance/history of the architecture I will see along the CF. In other words, I'd like to educate myself so I can understand what I am seeing.

Something not technical or academic - just kind of an "easy read" that will provide a base upon which I can expand.

I did not pay much attention in my history classes, unfortunately.

Hello,
For the history part of your question: I loved Giles Tremlett 'Ghosts of Spain'. One of his more recent books is España which I look forward to reading.
Enjoy your research and your Camino.
Ena

Wendy Werneth · Apr 20, 2023

The "Captivating History" series does a good job of writing interesting, non-technical history books for laypeople. I've not read it, but I see that they have a title called History of Spain on Amazon.

lt56ny · Apr 20, 2023

SabsP said:
A classic! Not to be missed.

The Pilgrimage Road is like a Bible for so many things camino. Even great for those flora and fauna buffs out there!

gowhipple · Apr 20, 2023

I do not have book recommendations for your request but I did find these two classes on Wondrium to be very informative for our first Camino last fall.

https://www.wondrium.com/the-cathedral

https://www.wondrium.com/the-history-of-spain-land-on-a-crossroad

Helen Robinson · Apr 20, 2023

celticone said:
Hello,
For the history part of your question: I loved Giles Tremlett 'Ghosts of Spain'. One of his more recent books is España which I look forward to reading.
Enjoy your research and your Camino.
Ena

My husband is reading this. He dips into it every now and again. It is falling to bits and held together with clothes pegs so maybe I'll buy a new copy to read.

Collie Mom · Apr 20, 2023

MARSKA said:
I am looking for recommendations for a book (s) that will provide me with a basic understanding of Spanish history and the significance/history of the architecture I will see along the CF. In other words, I'd like to educate myself so I can understand what I am seeing.

Something not technical or academic - just kind of an "easy read" that will provide a base upon which I can expand.

I did not pay much attention in my history classes, unfortunately.

I can recommend The Great Courses" video series as a very good overview of the entire history of Spain. Price fluctuates but it's constantly on sale. US$39. right now I think. https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/the-history-of-spain-land-on-a-crossroad

C clearly · Apr 20, 2023

Collie Mom said:
I can recommend The Great Courses" video series as a very good overview of the entire history of Spain. Price fluctuates but it's constantly on sale. US$39. right now I think. https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/the-history-of-spain-land-on-a-crossroad

I also recommend this audio series, The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad. It is available on audible.com, where you might get a bargain with a trial subscription.

jayree · Apr 20, 2023

C clearly said:
I also recommend this audio series, The History of Spain: Land on a Crossroad. It is available on audible.com, where you might get a bargain with a trial subscription.

I agree with C clearly. This is an outstanding and very interesting introduction to Spain’s fascinating history.

J Willhaus · Apr 20, 2023

jayree said:
I agree with C clearly. This is an outstanding and very interesting introduction to Spain’s fascinating history.

We have also watched this and found them a great overview.

MARSKA · May 7, 2023

Thank you ALL for the recommendations! I will follow up on these.

James van Hemert · Monday at 3:40 AM

I regret not reading Iberia earlier, however, it is never to late to read this marvelous tome, published in 1968. I just finished reading it, two years after beginning my Camino Frances. In Iberia...

El Cascayal · Apr 28, 2024

Look at this! My daily walking route in my neighborhood has a recently inaugurated Cruceiro flown over from Spain! Like it’s sister Cruceiro it was sculpted from a single block of granite the new...

iamjourneyman17 · Wednesday at 6:26 PM

The Pilgrim Garden is an outdoor restorative place for pilgrims to restore, reflect, journal, pray, or simply enjoy nature. Installation May 11, 2024 along Camino Frances in Os Chacotes Park...

iamjourneyman17 · Wednesday at 6:16 PM

Laberinto del Camino is new labyrinth peace/prayer path built for pilgrims located in Os Chacotes Park, Palas de Rei along Camino Frances. Installed May 2022. This labyrinth invites all pilgrims...

bkkboy · 2024-05-04T18:42:57+0200

Between Pamplona and Los Arcos we have seen many heavily pruned trees. About 2 to 4 m high. Often in populated public spaces. Any suggestions what they are?

Beginner's Guide to Spanish History and Architecture

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