About the Author

Henry Kamen is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society in London and an emeritus professor of the Higher Council for Scientific Research in Barcelona. He is the author of Empire: How Spain Became a Great Power, 1492-1763, as well as several other books on Spain. He divides his time between Barcelona and the United States.

Reviews

"Enthralling .... Magnificent history." -- Wall Street Journal"Well written and exactingly researched." -- Kirkus Reviews"An import chronicle, written with fluidity and a commanding sweep, along with a sharp eye for telling detail." -- Atlantic Monthly"As new forms of global imperialism develop, this sophisticated and broad-minded book could not be more timely." -- Publishers Weekly

Kamen (Philip of Spain) attempts to explain how the peoples of the Spanish portion of the Iberian Peninsula managed to acquire control of an unprecedented world empire. From the 15th century, Spain was inspired by competition from Portugal into mounting a series of ventures to seek commercial ties with the Orient, which led first to the discovery and conquest of the Canary Islands and then the New World. Dynastic interests were also drawing Spain into a contest with France for possession of the Italian states of Lombardy and Naples. By 1580, the Spanish Empire would expand to include Portugal and its colonial holdings in Brazil, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. By 1600, Spain possessed an empire that embraced the globe. What Kamen has accomplished is to demonstrate how much of this achievement was the result not of simple conquering but of the successful cooperation between the Spanish and the people (Mexicans, Peruvians, Portuguese, Flemings, and southern Italians, among others) with whom they came into contact. The Spanish could not have controlled these lands without the assistance of people who saw it in their own interest to help maintain Spain's global enterprise. This study of global empire will interest both students and lay readers. Highly recommended for all academic and larger public libraries.-Robert J. Andrews, Duluth P.L., MN Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

"Enthralling .... Magnificent history." -- Wall Street Journal"Well written and exactingly researched." -- Kirkus Reviews"An import chronicle, written with fluidity and a commanding sweep, along with a sharp eye for telling detail." -- Atlantic Monthly"As new forms of global imperialism develop, this sophisticated and broad-minded book could not be more timely." -- Publishers Weekly