Spain: The Center of the World 1519-1682 by Robert Goodwin

Robert Goodwin's Spain: The Center of the World 1519-1682 is a comprehensive and engaging history of Spain's rise to power as a global empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Goodwin begins by tracing the origins of Spain's empire to the marriage of Isabel de Castilla and Fernando de Aragón in 1469. This union created a powerful new kingdom that would soon begin to expand across Europe, the Americas, and the Philippines.

Goodwin then goes on to discuss the reigns of Charles V, Philip II, and Philip IV. These three monarchs were all instrumental in Spain's rise to power. Charles V, who was also Holy Roman Emperor, was a brilliant and ambitious ruler who expanded Spain's empire to its greatest extent. Philip II was a devout Catholic who used Spain's power to defend the Catholic Church against the Protestant Reformation. Philip IV was a cultured and sophisticated ruler who presided over a golden age of Spanish art and literature.

The book then goes on to discuss the reigns of Charles V's son, Philip II, and Philip II's grandson, Philip IV. During these reigns, Spain continued to expand its empire and became a major power in Europe.

However, Spain's golden age was not to last forever. The book also discusses the challenges that Spain faced during this period, such as the Dutch Revolt, the Thirty Years' War, the War of the Spanish Succession and also addresses how difficult it was to get the representatives of the crown in the New World to respect the freedom and property of the natives. These conflicts drained Spain's resources from her and led to the decline of her empire from her.

The book concludes with the death of Charles II in 1700. Charles II was the last Habsburg king of Spain, and his death marked the end of Spain's golden age.

Overall, this book is a well-written and informative book that provides a comprehensive overview of Spain's rise and fall as a global empire. The book is well-researched and draws on a wide range of sources, including primary documents, secondary sources, and archaeological evidence. It is an excellent book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Spain or the history of the world.

The book is also well-organized and easy to read. Goodwin does an excellent job of weaving together complex historical events into a coherent narrative. The book is also full of interesting anecdotes and insights that make it a pleasure to read.