This comprehensive survey of Spain s history looks at the major political, social, and economic changes that took place from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the twenty-first century.

• A thorough introduction to post-Civil War Spain, from its development under Franco and subsequent transition to democracy up to the present day



• Tusell was a celebrated public figure and historian. During his lifetime he negotiated the return to Spain of Picasso s Guernica, was elected UCD councillor for Madrid, and became a respected media commentator before his untimely death in 2005



• Includes a biography and political assessment of Francisco Franco



• Covers a number of pertinent topics, including fascism, isolationism, political opposition, economic development, decolonization, terrorism, foreign policy, and democracy



• Provides a context for understanding the continuing tensions between democracy and terrorism, including the effects of the 2004 Madrid Bombings