Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on
bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Dali
by Robert Radford
A nice overview of Dali's life and important works, this Phaidon art book explains how Dali infused his work with the surreal. Includes plenty of color photographs.
A Traveller's History of Spain
by Juan Lalaguna
This survey of Spanish history features a useful chronology, historical gazetteer and a long section on contemporary life. It covers early settlements through the Romans, Goths and Moors to the present.
Surrealism
by Fiona Bradley
The history of the Surrealist movement featuring Magritte, Ernst, Dali and others. Includes many color illustrations.
Goya
by Enriquetta Harris
A brief, illustrated introduction to the work of Francisco Goya that includes a lengthy essay as well as 48 full-page color plates and 30 black-and-white reproductions. Perfect for museum-goers.
Basque, Delicious Recipes from Spain's Stunning Northern Coast
by Jose Pizarro
Designed to demystify the cuisine of northern Spain, this mouth-watering cookbook features 80 recipes from the Basque region (which has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other area in the world). Dishes are accompanied by evocative full-color photos.
Eyewitness Guide Spain
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb, colorful guide covering all of Spain features bright photography, dozens of maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.
Spain, The Root and the Flower
by John A. Crow
Take this book with you to Spain: it's an absorbing, well-written account of Spanish cultural history from prehistory to the Romans, Jews, Moors, Golden Age and on to Franco and his legacy in Spain.
Spain & Portugal Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided full color map of Spain and Portugal at a scale of 1:1,000,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads and waterways.
Goya
by Robert Hughes
A biography of the great Spanish painter, by historian and art critic Robert Hughes (Barcelona).
The Basque History of the World
by Mark Kurlansky
Kurlansky's engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque lands takes in everything from language to culinary heritage, role in the Spanish Civil War and seafaring traditions.
Old Man Goya
by Julia Blackburn
Taking 1792--the year that Goya went deaf--as her starting point, Blackburn chronicles the painter's fruitful last 35 years in captivating, imaginative detail.
Ghosts of Spain
by Giles Tremlett
Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.
Painting in Spain 1500-1700
by Jonathan Brown
Velazquez and El Greco are but a few of the Spanish artists discussed in this in-depth study of the art produced during Spain's golden age.
Culture Smart! Spain
by Marian Meaney
This concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture provides a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
Antonio Gaudi, Master Architect
by Juan Bassegoda Nonell
This pocket-sized collection of Gaudi's work captures the evolution, imagination and exuberance of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
Barcelona
by Robert Hughes
This big, thoroughly enjoyable cultural history of the city touches on architecture, art, religion and literature from Roman outpost to today.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Barcelona
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb guide to Barcelona features color photography, a pullout map and top attractions.
Homage to Catalonia
by George Orwell
Orwell's portrait of the Barcelona uprising and the spirit of a city at war is a classic, an observant and heartfelt report from the streets.
Adventures in Spain
by Catherine Petit
From Madrid north to Santiago and south to Granada, join Catherine Petit as she shares her journeys through the countryside, hills, mountains and quaint cities and towns of the breathtaking country of Spain. Catherine serves as your personal guide through cathedrals, museums, parks, gardens, and architectural delights as she treks her way through the enchanting landscape. The photographs will bring the experience of Spain right to your door. The friends she made, the people she met, and the cultural extravagance she witnessed will ensure you make Spain your next destination.