This comprehensive account of the economic development of Spain, available for the first time in English, is generally regarded as a major achievement in Spanish historiography. It covers the entire history of Spain's economic and social evolution from prehistoric times to the end of the nineteenth century. The book originated from lectures given at the University of Barcelona by Jaime Vicens Vives, who has been called Spain's greatest historian in recent decades. Aware of all the major interpretations of Spanish history, the author draws upon the recent research of Spanish, French, and American historians; yet to the overall picture he gives his own imprint.

Originally published in 1969.

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