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Historical Biographies of Spain and Portugal
1
Bancroft Prize-winning historian narrates a gripping tale.
Epic journey of Cabeza de Vaca across America.
Survivors of a disastrous 1528 Spanish expedition.
Endured harsh conditions and enslavement for years.
Encountered diverse nomadic tribes and languages.
Explored uncharted lands, plants, and animals.
Transformative experiences before European colonization began.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $16.40
2
Inspiration for STARZ’s The Serpent Queen series.
Critically acclaimed biography of Catherine de Medici.
Explores her ruthless pursuit of power.
Based on extensive research and letters.
Reveals her troubled childhood in Florence.
Details her marriage to Henry II of France.
Paints a human portrait of a complex queen.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $15.99
Color: 4 positive
3
Epic tale of Columbus's final expedition.
Explores themes of disgrace and redemption.
Details treacherous storms and mutiny at sea.
Captivating portrayal of a legendary explorer.
Combines adventure with rich historical context.
From a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
A must-read for history and adventure lovers.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $2.99
4
Hemingway's exploration of Spanish bullfighting culture.
Vivid imagery capturing sights and sounds.
Passionate reflections on life and death.
Remarkable prose showcasing Hemingway's literary genius.
Insightful commentary on the bullfighting tradition.
Experience the thrill of hot, violent afternoons.
A must-listen for literary and history enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $17.05
5
Chronicles Orellana's daring Amazon expedition.
Interweaves historical accounts with new discoveries.
Explores encounters with indigenous peoples and cultures.
Highlights survival against disease and starvation.
A riveting blend of history and adventure.
Praise from Wall Street Journal and Kirkus Reviews.
Discover the Amazon's beauty and peril.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $9.99
6
Engrossing biography of Isabella of Castile.
Influential Queen who shaped modern Spain.
Sponsor of Columbus’s journey to the New World.
Established the Spanish Inquisition, altering history.
Defied opposition to seize control at age twenty-three.
Ended centuries of conflict between Muslims and Christians.
Explores faith and leadership of a forgotten ruler.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $17.03
7
Untold story of Shackleton's Ross Sea party.
Highlights heroism and tragic nobility of explorers.
Based on personal journals and photographs.
Chronicles 1,356 miles in extreme conditions.
A masterpiece of historical adventure.
Destined to be a classic like Into Thin Air.
Engaging narrative of human perseverance and survival.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $7.99
8
Definitive history of the Habsburg dynasty.
Epic story spanning nearly a millennium.
Explores their rise to power in Europe.
Control of the Holy Roman Empire established.
Influence stretched from Europe to the New World.
Reveals enduring power and legacy of Habsburgs.
Impact on Europe and the world is significant.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $14.75
9
Fascinating account of Columbus's four voyages.
Explores the search for a China trade route.
Highlights adventures, violence, and moral dilemmas.
Rich historical context and detailed narratives.
Written from participants' vivid perspectives.
Engaging for fans of historical exploration biographies.
Captivating storytelling by Laurence Bergreen.
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Price Range: $4.99
10
Nobel Prize-winning author's unique perspective on Portugal.
Engaging blend of history, culture, and travelogue.
Explores ancient myths and modern traditions.
Vivid descriptions of extraordinary places in Portugal.
Observations from a passionate, attentive observer.
Celebrates Portugal's rich cultural heritage and evolution.
A must-read for travelers and history enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $10.88
11
Explore Isabella's transformative reign in Castile.
Insightful biography by acclaimed historian Giles Tremlett.
Uncover challenges of a female ruler in history.
Experience the unification of Spain under her leadership.
Discover the foundations of a global empire.
Learn about her impactful marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon.
Delve into early Renaissance influences on her rule.
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Price Range: $25.73
12
Groundbreaking account of the Spanish Inquisition.
Insider's perspective from former Inquisition secretary.
Explores origins and evolution of the institution.
Reveals methods of interrogation and trials.
Challenges myths surrounding the Inquisition's history.
Critique of power abuses and injustice.
Essential reading for scholars and students.
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Price Range: $19.60
13
Reveals Fidel Castro's hidden luxurious lifestyle.
Insider perspective from his personal bodyguard.
Uncovers financial manipulations behind his facade.
Sheds light on Castro's political strategies.
Exposes personal relationships and family dynamics.
Challenges preconceived notions about Castro's life.
Unique testimony from a close confidant.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $32.32
14
Comprehensive scholarly biography of Francisco Franco.
Balanced coverage of personal, military, and political aspects.
Uses the previously inaccessible Franco Archive.
Includes interviews with Franco's only daughter.
Details Franco's rise during the Spanish Civil War.
Explores his controversial role in World War II.
Highlights adaptations to retain power over four decades.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $34.95
15
Explores Columbus's four significant voyages, 1492-1504.
Highlights Columbus's ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.
Examines political, moral, and economic exploration costs.
Details Columbus's flawed character and tragic pride.
Unveils the impact on indigenous populations and relations.
Engaging narrative by renowned author Laurence Bergreen.
Reveals the complexities of Columbus's maritime adventures.
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Price Range: $23.00
16
Explore Picasso's life from childhood to fame.
Learn about his revolutionary art movements.
Understand Picasso's impact during World War I.
Discover the significance of Guernica in history.
Delve into his relationships and personal struggles.
Examine Picasso's legacy and artistic influence.
Enjoy a free bonus included with the ebook!
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Price Range: $2.99
17
Explores Gaudí's unique architectural style and vision.
Includes insightful quotes from Gaudí's life and work.
Features captivating images of his iconic creations.
Provides online resources for deeper understanding.
Details Gaudí's impact on Catalan Modernism movement.
Discusses his religious inspirations and natural influences.
Chronicles the tragic end of his remarkable life.
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Price Range: $2.99
18
First full-scale biography of Philip II.
Examines his life within historical context.
Reveals new insights into his character.
Based on unpublished correspondence and archival sources.
Challenges negative perceptions of his reign.
Highlights his cosmopolitan experiences in Europe.
Explores his religious attitudes and policies.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $16.24
19
Comprehensive biography of Philip II of Spain.
Reveals new insights from recently discovered documents.
Analyzes political, military, and personal challenges faced.
Explores Philip's interests: work, play, and religion.
Offers a revisionist perspective on his leadership.
Informed by decades of historical research.
Examines his significant impact on European history.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $28.63
20
Continues Laurie Lee's bestselling autobiographical trilogy.
Charming narrative of adventure through pre-war Spain.
Begins with a journey from Slad to London.
Describes the beauty of rugged Spanish countryside.
Illustrates a young man's quest for freedom.
Captures life on the road in 1930s Europe.
Combines travel, culture, and personal growth experiences.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $11.99
21
Explores post-war Polish Jewry's evolution.
Highlights Jewish contributions to religious traditions.
Examines the Holocaust's tragic impact.
Offers in-depth historical analysis and reflection.
Essential reading for Jewish history enthusiasts.
Part of the Studies in Jewish History series.
Path-breaking perspectives on Jewish memory and identity.
Price Range: $67.95
22
Authoritative biography of Sir Francis Drake.
Explores his complex and influential life.
Highlights Drake's achievements as a navigator.
Details his role in defeating the Armada.
Offers an unvarnished portrait of a pirate.
Reveals new insights into his expeditions.
Written by bestselling author Ernle Bradford.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $2.99
23
Definitive edition of Columbus's voyage diary.
Accurate transcription of Bartolomé de las Casas's manuscript.
Spanish and English texts presented side by side.
Comprehensive notes for in-depth research.
Explores navigational methods and landing sites.
Fascinating accounts of first encounters with natives.
Ideal for historians, scholars, and enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $34.95
24
Inspiring biography of Doña Gracia Nasi.
Born into a Sephardic Jewish family in Portugal.
Faced the brutal realities of the Inquisition.
Promised to uphold her Jewish heritage.
Helped secret Jews escape persecution throughout her life.
Engaging narrative for young adult readers.
Highlights courage and resilience of Jewish women.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $9.95
25
True story of a 16th-century maritime voyage.
Features Black seaman Lope Martín's remarkable journey.
Explores Spain's plot against Portugal's trade monopoly.
Adventurous encounters with Pacific islanders documented.
Highlights Martín's overlooked contributions to history.
Acclaimed narrative by historian Andrés Reséndez.
Engaging blend of history and maritime adventure.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $7.12
26
George Orwell's firsthand account of the Spanish Civil War.
Explores the chaos and bloodshed of the era.
Highlights voices fighting against rising fascism.
Reflects Orwell's evolving political views and beliefs.
Essential classic for understanding totalitarianism's threat.
Part of HarperCollins' best-loved classic collection.
Recognized for its historical and literary significance.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $4.95
27
Explores Sir Francis Drake's adventurous life.
Highlights Queen Elizabeth I's ambitions for England.
Details Drake's successful circumnavigation of the globe.
Describes dramatic encounters with the Spanish Armada.
Reveals the birth of the British Empire.
Combines epic history with personal passion.
Recognized by The New York Times Book Review.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $14.99
28
Insightful account of Spanish Civil War experiences.
Written by renowned author George Orwell.
Explores political ideologies and social struggles.
Detailed observations of wartime life and conditions.
Critiques propaganda and political manipulation tactics.
Essential reading for history and literature enthusiasts.
Offers a unique perspective on revolutionary movements.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $24.95
29
Explores Portugal's significant role in world history.
Covers exploration, colonization, and cultural contributions.
Highlights key figures like Vasco da Gama.
Examines Portugal’s trade networks and overseas empire.
Discusses political changes and social justice movements.
Includes timelines, biographies, and glossary for reference.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $4.99
30
International bestseller translated into seven languages.
Explores post-war Spain's dark historical memories.
A gripping narrative of forgotten voices.
Winner of Ojo Crítico Narrative Prize 2024.
Highly acclaimed by renowned literary figures.
Combines rigorous research with literary ambition.
A powerful reflection on repression and resilience.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $39.69
