Rating: 
Summary: an impressively deep, honest and affectionate view of Spain
Review: This is not like most Michener books, which are generally fictional; this is his personal travelogue of his impressions of many travels all over Spain. It should be understood that it was published in the late 1960s and that much has since changed in Spain since that time. While 'Iberia' is normally taken (in the USA, at least) to incorporate Portugal, Michener is writing almost exclusively about Spain in this book.Michener clearly loved Spain and knew many Spaniards as friends. He discusses Spain's history, culture, art, literature, dance, geography, sports, and spirituality. Rather than putting all that into nice neat little buckets, he weaves it all together to paint an entrancing picture of the Spanish soul as he knows it. Unlike many such authors, Michener uses photos very carefully to illustrate aspects of Spanish culture, from the assuredly adamant eyes of the Guardia Civil to the warm smiles of the poorest people. He also takes a lot of time to explain words that are difficult to translate and what they tell us about Spanish culture. Recommended with equal enthusiasm whether from the viewpoint of history, religion, culture, or art. Also of special value to those living in Spanish-speaking countries or regions with large Hispanic populations, as Spain's influence on those cultures, as a mother country, is readily apparent. Bravo, Sr. Michener. Faltan mucho a Ud.
Rating:
Summary: it wonderfully describes the contradictions of Spain
Review: TWIMC I carried a paperback edition of this book with me in Ecuador and Peru and found it fundamental in understanding the Spanish mind. When I visit Spain it will be with me also but, I won't begin my vist in Malaga!
Rating: 
Summary: Spain: The country that shaped Michener
Review: Written over a period of 30 years, this is really a timeless piece of work about how Spain shaped Michener, the young man and later, the successful writer. Of course, other writers and artists have also influenced by Spain, such as Earnest Hemmingway and Orson Wells. But few books about Spain provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's history, under Islam and Christiandom, as well as it political and modern day pace of life.
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