The History of Portugal

by James M. Anderson

Overview

This informative, concise, and engagingly written work provides the most up-to-date history of Portugal, current through 1999, and gives a full picture of the political, social, cultural, and economic influences that shaped the history of Portugal. Covering the period from Portugal's early conception as a nation through its long history, with emphasis on the dramatic period of the last several decades, this volume culminates with the demise of the Salazar dictatorship and the independence of its colonies. Complete with a timeline for easy reference to events, brief biographies of important people, lists of monarchs and heads of state, and a bibliographic essay, it is the ideal companion for the student or interested reader.

In nine chapters, Anderson discusses the geography of Portugal, its prehistoric antecedents, its formation as a nation, and the events that once made it a world leader in exploration, discovery, and imperial power. How and why the country was drawn into the orbit of its large neighbor, Spain, lost much of its empire, and yet managed to regain its independence are examined, along with the trials and tribulations encountered on its jourbaney from monarchy to modern republic. The discussion presents the factors that kept Portugal one of the poorest nations in Europe for most of its existence and the reasons that it is now, leading into the 21st century, closing the economic gap with wealthier nations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313311062
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/28/2000
Series:	The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	248
Sales rank:	226,906
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.62(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)

About the Author

JAMES M. ANDERSON is Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. He has spent many years in Portugal and Spain both as a Fulbright Scholar and the recipient of Canada Council and other grants. He is the author of six books and numerous articles in Iberian studies.

Table of Contents

Preface
Foreword
Portugal Today
Early History
House of Burgundy, 1097-1385
House of Avis: João I-Manuel I, 1385-1521
House of Avis: João III-Cardinal Henrique, 1521-1580
Union with Spain, 1580-1640
House of Braganca, 1640-1910
Monarchy to Republic to Dictatorship
Revolution and Democracy
Appendix A: Monarchs and Heads of Government
Appendix B: Portuguese Colonies
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Presents a concise history of Portugal and the political, social, cultural, and economic influences that shaped it. Covers the period from the country's formation as a nation through its long history, with emphasis on the dramatic period of the last several decades. Includes a timeline, brief biographies of important people, lists of monarchs and heads of state, and a bibliographic essay. The author teaches at the University of Calgary, Canada, and has spent many years in Portugal and Spain. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews