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The Shortest History of Madrid

Brief Description
Madrid's story is one of the most unlikely of any European capital. The only European capital founded as a Muslim settlement, Madrid has a story as diverse as its population today. From the grandeur of the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties to the chaos and trauma of... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3500
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Releases 29th September 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Shortest History of Madrid" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Madrid's story is one of the most unlikely of any European capital.

The only European capital founded as a Muslim settlement, Madrid has a story as diverse as its population today. From the grandeur of the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties to the chaos and trauma of civil war and dictatorship, Madrid has survived it all with defiant spirit.

It has been home to some of Spain's – and the world's – most brilliant writers, thinkers and artists, from Cervantes and Goya to Hemingway and AlmodΓ³var. It has been the setting for outrageous political scandals, mass movements and wild literary rivalries. And it continues to be a city that refuses to be defined by anything but its own irrepressible energy.

Impressively compact for such a vast subject, Linda Jaivin's brief history of Madrid captures the depth and flavour of one of the world's most remarkable cities. – Luke Stegemann

Filled with vivid descriptions and entertaining asides, Linda Jaivin's prose dances gracefully over centuries of Madrid's history with ease, making this an entertaining and informative read. – Felicity Hughes, The Making of Madrid blog

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760645540

Publisher: Black Inc.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 September 2026

Country: Australia

Imprint: Black Inc.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 1.0mm

Width: 1.0mm

Height: 1.0mm

Weight: 1g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Linda Jaivin is a cultural commentator, essayist and translator and has written twelve books, including The Shortest History of China and Bombard the Headquarters!

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