Teach Yourself World Cultures: Spain

What is the connection between a Spanish cathedral and a tram?

Who "smashed up" the south of Spain and left their mark?

Which Spanish painter played tricks with mirrors? Why are rabbits important in Spanish history? This book aims to answer these questions, and many more, in a concise and lively overview of Spain: the country, its languages, its people, their way of life and culture and what makes them tick.

If you are studying for examinations which require a knowledge of the background of Spain and its civilization, or if you are learning the language, in, for example, an evening class and want to know more about the country and how it works, this is the book for you.

If your job involves travel and business relations, it aims to provide useful and practical information about the ways and customs of the people you are working with. Or if you simply have an interest in Spain for whatever reason, it should broaden your knowledge about the country and its inhabitants. The book is divided into three sections. Chapters one and two deal with the forces - historical, geographical, geological, demographical and linguistic - that have brought about the formation of the country we know as Spain and the language we know as Spanish.

Chapters three to seven deal with the wealth of creative aspects of Spanish culture from the beginnings to modern day.

These chapters take a look at the main areas or works of literature, art and architecture, music, traditions and festivals, science and technology, fashion, and food and drink, together with the people who have created and are still creating them.

The reamaining chapters deal with aspects of contemporary Spanish society and the practicalitites of living in modern-day Spain - the way the political structure of the country is organized, education, the environment, the workplace and how people spend thier leisure time.

The final chapter looks at the country's political, economic and social relations with the wider world, and takes a glance at the future. Each chapter ends with a section entitled "Taking it Further", where you should find useful addresses, websites and things to see and do.

Each chapter also contains a list of useful words and phrases which should help you to talk or write about the subject in question.