Simon Barton provides an up-to-date analysis of the historical development of Spain from its origins to modern times. As Spain has become firmly integrated into the political and economic structures of the European Union, the long held notion that the country's "historical destiny" has been somehow out of step with those of its neighbours no longer seems valid. Barton probes the extent to which Spain should be regarded as an exceptional case and provides a clear and balanced account of its strikingly rich and diverse history.