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How the Spanish Empire Was Built
A 400-Year History
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Brief Description
In the sixteenth century, Spain was small and divided, yet it built the largest empire in history. How? Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Manuel Lucena Giraldo reveal the crucial role of engineers in this achievement. By investing in infrastructure that benefited local elites, Spain expanded its influence and...
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How the Spanish Empire Was Built
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See moreA fast-paced and entertaining journey through four hundred years of Latin American and Spanish history
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Description
In the sixteenth century, Spain was small and divided, yet it built the largest empire in history. How? Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Manuel Lucena Giraldo reveal the crucial role of engineers in this achievement. By investing in infrastructure that benefited local elites, Spain expanded its influence and enriched trade networks.
Through vivid stories of engineers, prospectors, soldiers, and priests, the authors bring Spanish America's age of conquest to life. Now in paperback, this dazzling history redefines empire as a venture shaped by collaboration as well as oppression, offering fresh insights into the rise of the Spanish Empire and the complexities of its legacy.
'A richly researched account of the clever, industrious, and deeply practical men who followed in the footsteps, often literally, of Columbus, Cortes, Pizarro, Nez de Balboa, and others.' Wall Street Journal
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781836391135
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 November 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Illustration: 32 illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Felipe Fernndez-Armesto is the William P. Reynolds Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame and an award-winning scholar and historian. His books include Straits.
Manuel Lucena Giraldo is a research scientist at the Spanish National Research Council and an adjunct professor at IE University and ESCP Business School Europe. His books include Firsting in the Early Modern Atlantic World.
Also by Felipe Fernández-Armesto
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How the Spanish Empire Was Built
Sixteenth-century Spain was small, poor, disunited, and sparsely populated. Yet the Spaniards and their allies built the largest empire the world had ever seen. How did they achieve this? Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Manuel Lucena Giraldo argue that Spain's engineers were critical to this venture. The Spanish invested in infrastructure to the advantage of local power brokers, enhancing the abilities of...Hardback$8700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Straits
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUFF COOPER PRIZE 2022 A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2022 _______________ 'Rigorous, deft and entertaining ... a sparkling read' - The Spectator 'The ride is thrilling ... a work of serious scholarship' - Sunday Telegraph _______________ For centuries, Ferdinand Magellan has been celebrated as a hero: a noble adventurer who circumnavigated the globe in an...Paperback$4299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Straits
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUFF COOPER PRIZE 2022A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST HISTORY BOOK OF 2022 'Rigorous, deft and entertaining ... a sparkling read' - The Spectator 'The ride is thrilling ... a work of serious scholarship' - Sunday Telegraph For centuries, Ferdinand Magellan has been celebrated as a hero: a noble adventurer who circumnavigated the globe in an extraordinary feat of...Hardback$5999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Also by Manuel Lucena Giraldo
View all-
How the Spanish Empire Was Built
Sixteenth-century Spain was small, poor, disunited, and sparsely populated. Yet the Spaniards and their allies built the largest empire the world had ever seen. How did they achieve this? Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Manuel Lucena Giraldo argue that Spain's engineers were critical to this venture. The Spanish invested in infrastructure to the advantage of local power brokers, enhancing the abilities of...Hardback$8700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
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