The author offers a well-informed and thorough introduction to Spanish history of the middle ages, characterised by the interactions of Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences. Processes of cultural transfer don't only govern the relations of the various Iberian realms, but to the outside world Spain functioned as hub for new ideas. These phenomena of cultural exchange are central to this wide historical overview from the time of the Visigoths, through the different realms of the middle ages to the era of the catholic kings. The latter's conquering of Granada and through the voyages of Columbus putting Spain in an excellent position in a new global system.