Iberia
|
This is one of the most fascinating and enjoyable books on Spain I have read.Until two years ago I had never been to Spain - excited by the promise of a magical land but apprehensive of the ruin caused by so many Europeans(mainly British)who populate the costas and not apparently (as commonly believed) to the true benefit of the Spaniards.
I have however bought many, many books on Spain to try and discover the soul of the country.This is by far the best, My recent visits(to the Picos de Europa and the province of Salamanca) convince me that thankfully "real"(or imagined!) Spain(ie not the proliferation of North European sunshine extensions) exists still.
Michener brings the country to life in a fascinating way and his mix of descriptions of people he meets and the detail of the places he visits is compelling.This is without doubt an essential read before or during your visit to this magical country.Even though the book is written 4 decades ago you cannot help but feel that you are with Michener as we travel Spain.
Only regrets are the absence of places such as Ciudad Rodrigo,Uruena and Segovia in his book which are all deserving of a visit-.... and I am sure that there are many more which I hope to discover in the coming years.If only I could take Michener with me to capture the real experience!
Buy this and enjoy it!
|
|
|
Michener's best non-fiction
|
|
"Iberia" is a travel log which Michener compiled over years of trips to Spain. His love and respect for this "castle of old dreams and new realities" are evident in his poetic and informative language. We are also treated to people who, though nonfictional, are characterized as larger-than-life members of a fantastic story. Not having even been to Spain, and despite the book's age (30+) years, I feel I have been there many times and could take anyone on a tour of the nation. Fabulous.
|
|
|
it wonderfully describes the contradictions of Spain
|
|
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!
|
|
|
Superb insights into Spain; long, but worth every minute
|
|
An excellent narrative about Spain and the Spanish people. I've lived in Spain for 4 years and find the insights spot on. Although written over 30 years ago in the heart of the Franco era, it is still a wonderful primer on the country.
|
|
A brilliant and detailed description of spain
|
|
This book is long but entertaining. The visualization of the land is accurate. I would recommend it only to people who enjoy long and detailed descriptions. The contrasts of the land and people are astonishing
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada