John Lynch
1 Excellent explanation of the period.
This book (and "The Hispanic World in Crisis and Change, 1598-1700 -A History of Spain-" by the same author) has -at least- three strong points on its favor, which makes it very advisable to read: a) it takes great pains to explain -not only to describe- the Spain of XVI century; b) it includes a very relevant section on Spanish America, which is not common in books written on this period; and c) it is reasonable easy to read. I should have rated this book "four and a half" starts. Considering its content, I think it should be five; considering its readability, four. In any event, I do recommend it to read it. (Other books I would recommend to read on Spain: As a general overview, "A History of Spain" by Joseph Perez; and more focused on the XVI -and/or XVII- period: "The Spain of Philip II" by Joseph Perez; "Imperial Spain 1469-1716" by John Elliot; "Spain 1469-1714, A Society of Conflict", by Henry Kamen; and "Carlos V, El Csar y el Hombre" and "Felipe II y su tiempo" both of them written by Manuel Fernndez ēlvarez).