Empire - by Henry Kamen (Paperback)

From the Back Cover

From the late-fifteenth to the mid-eighteenth century, Spain was the most extensive empire the world had seen, stretching from Naples and the Netherlands to the Philippines. This provocative work of history attributes Spain's rise to power to the collaboration of international business interests, including Italian financiers, German technicians, and Dutch traders. At the height of its power, the Spanish Empire was a global enterprise in which non-Spaniards -- Portuguese, Basque, Aztec, Genoese, Chinese, Flemish, West African, Incan, and Neapolitan -- played an essential role.

Challenging, persuasive, and unique in its thesis, Henry Kamen's Empire explores Spain's complex impact on world history with admirable clarity and intelligence.

Review Quotes

"Written with fluidity and a commanding sweep, along with a sharp eye for telling detail ... [from] probably the most highly regarded historians of early modern Spain." - Atlantic Monthly

"An import chronicle, written with fluidity and a commanding sweep, along with a sharp eye for telling detail." - Atlantic Monthly

"Well written and exactingly researched." - Kirkus Reviews

"As new forms of global imperialism develop, this sophisticated and broad-minded book could not be more timely." - Publishers Weekly

"Enthralling .... Magnificent history." - Wall Street Journal