Synopses & Reviews
How did a barren, thinly populated country, somewhat isolated from the rest of Europe, establish itself as the world's first superpower? Henry Kamen's impressive new book offers a fresh and highly original answer.
Empire is a global survey of the two and a halt centuries (from the late fifteenth to the mid-eighteenth) in which the Spaniards established the most extensive empire the world had ever known, ranging from Naples and the Netherlands to the Philippines. Unlike previous accounts, which have presented the Empire as a direct consequence of Spanish power, this provocative work of history emphasizes the inability of Spain to run an imperial enterprise by itself The role of conquest was deceptive. Spain's rise to power was actually made possible by the collaboration of international business interests, including Italian financiers, German technicians and Dutch traders, in the task of setting up networks of contact ranging across the oceans. At the height of its apparent power, the Spanish Empire was in reality a global enterprise in which non-Spaniards -- Portuguese, Basque, Aztec, Genoese, Chinese, Flemish, West African, Incan and Neapolitan -- played an essential role. It is this vast diversity of resources and people (which included many of its greatest adventurers and soldiers) that made Spain's power so overwhelming.
There is no better account in English of this time. Henry Kamen's book provides a highly relevant analysis of the origins and nature of imperial power, and of global economic activity. Challenging, persuasive and unique in its thesis, Empire explores Spain's complex impact on world history with admirable clarity and intelligence.
Review
“An import chronicle, written with fluidity and a commanding sweep, along with a sharp eye for telling detail.” Atlantic Monthly
Review
“Enthralling …. Magnificent history.” Wall Street Journal
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“As new forms of global imperialism develop, this sophisticated and broad-minded book could not be more timely.” Publishers Weekly
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“Well written and exactingly researched.” Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
This is a history of large forces moving sometimes of their own accord and by their own logic
Well written and exactingly researched.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 567-576) and index.
About the Author
Henry Kamen is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in London and has been Professor of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in Barcelona for the past ten years. He is also Visiting Professor in the University of Chicago's program in Barcelona. He is the author of numerous books, including, most recently,
Philip of Spain and
The Spanish Inquisition. He lives in Barcelona.