My very first encounter with this remarkable book took place during my freshman year of high school (1974 - St. Raymond's High School for Boys, Bronx, NY) under the guidance of a truly great Spanish teacher, Mrs. Beilak.

Her aim was not merely to have us master the language but also to instill in us a deep appreciation for the land, the people, and the rich culture of Spain. We were given a small section to read and were highly encouraged to explore more on our own. I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment and made a promise to myself that one day, I would read the entire book cover to cover.

Fast forward to last year, at a local library book sale, I happened to come across a used paperback edition of this very book for just one dollar. I took this as a clear sign that it was time to fulfill the promise I had made to myself all those years ago. And I am extremely happy that I did.

If you have ever had the pleasure of reading anything penned by this author, you are already well aware that he does not skimp on the details. This nonfiction work is no different. After delving into the pages of this book, you will gain a profound understanding and a good feel for every single aspect of Spain, especially its wonderful people.

I truly wish that I had come across this book prior to my visit to Spain.

It seems that now I have a strong desire to return there once more.

The reason being that I am eager to observe how certain aspects have evolved since the author described them in the mid-1960s.

The thought of revisiting those places and comparing the present situation with the vivid descriptions in the book is extremely enticing.

I can only imagine the interesting contrasts and the new perspectives that I might gain.

Perhaps I will notice significant changes in the architecture, the culture, or the way of life.

On the other hand, there might also be some elements that have remained remarkably unchanged, serving as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of Spain.

This second visit will surely be a fascinating adventure, allowing me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of this beautiful country.

James Michener has truly become one of my favorites.

His books are indeed LONG, yet they are so complete and brimming with fascinating details. This particular work was not a novel but rather his personal recollections of his travels in Spain and his complete love for the country.

It is interspersed with a plethora of historical, cultural, religious, and musical details. Even though the man was completely in love with Spain and Spaniards, he still looked critically at many aspects within the culture and the country.

I started reading this book because I was planning a trip to Spain. It made my visit so much richer and more meaningful.

The book was written in the 60's, and a great deal has changed since then, but the roots remain the same. He wrote while Spain was still under the dictatorship of Franco and wondered what the future would hold politically.

It is truly good to see that Spain has moved forward.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who desires to look beneath the surface and reach the heart of Spain.

Truth be told, I've been aware of Michener's stellar reputation for many years.

This is the first of his books that I've attempted. I was quite eager to explore his writing and see what all the fuss was about.

I know modern Spain pretty well. However, the Spain depicted in the book seems to be long gone. There is no more Franco (thank God!), the Catholic church is much less powerful, and the police force is more honest. It's interesting to see how society has changed over the years.

I do understand that the book is necessarily dated. But, the constant glorification of bullfighting was very off-putting to me. While there can be great technique and bravery involved, there is also too much cruelty without purpose. It made me question the values and ethics behind such a practice. And, yes, Michener really seems to admire Franco, which is another aspect that I couldn't quite stomach.

The constant digressions and "side trips" to something tangentially related were very frustrating to me. It felt like the story was constantly being pulled in different directions, making it difficult to stay engaged. I read about 10% of this book, and that is as far as I will go. I'm disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations, but perhaps it's just not the right book for me.

James Michener was enthralled by a Spain that I found rather disconcerting. The Catholic Church pervades every aspect of Spanish society, and the concept of separation of Church and State seems almost incomprehensible. There, the Church is a deeply conservative institution, and the encyclicals of Pope John XXIII are seen as ideologically destabilizing. Economically, it has been dominated by landed families for centuries. The Guardia Civil is a reassuring public presence, ensuring order. Michener's friend, Don Luis Morenés y Areces, advises him: "You must view Spain as a nation on a three-legged stool. Church, army, landed families. If any of these topples, they all fall down." (p.463)

The Spanish view of history was yet another shock to my "norteamericano" perspective. It glorifies the conquistadors, who brought civilization to the New World and glory to Spain. (Mexico, however, has a different view. Statues of Cortes are banned in that country, and in New Mexico, Columbus Day is referred to as Indigenous Peoples' Day.) The savagery of the Spanish Inquisition is regarded as part of the "Black Legend," a concerted effort by Protestant scholars to defame Spain. Michener examines this claim in detail and presents several interesting conclusions regarding the abrupt end of Spain's Golden Age and the apparent stagnation of its intellectual life.

Although this book was published in 1968, it is actually a compilation of James Michener's impressions over nearly 25 years of visits to Spain, beginning in 1932. He attempts to capture the eternal essence of Spanish culture, a portrait of its national character. This approach may seem quaint today but was popular at one time (e.g., Ruth Benedict's Chrysanthemum and the Sword). Nevertheless, he never succumbs to easy stereotyping. It is notable that he never uses the word "machismo" in the nearly thousand pages of this book. Instead, he offers a useful lexicon. "Duende" is something he describes as "unmistakable class," a dark spiritual profundity, or "the essence that makes something Spanish." (p.69) Another term is "pundonor," "the world's most austere definition of honor," which implies the essence of character. (p.71) These words suggest a unique and individualistic aesthetic.

As in his novels, Michener infuses this travelogue with a deep historical imagination that sustains a narrative of continuity. In Burriana, on his first trip to Spain, he observes the barges loaded with Valencia oranges. The barges lie in shallow water and must be hauled to a waiting freighter. "In Roman times, businessmen using this coast for the transfer of freight to Italy had solved the problem. They reared a breed of oxen that thrived in salt water, and now these huge beasts, working in the sea with often only their eyes and horns visible, backed close to a barge while workmen attached chains to their harness." (p.15) At every stop on this tour of Spain, observation triggers historical connections.

Michener searches for a spiritual vitality in his travels. While he acknowledges artists like Zurbarán, El Greco, and Velásquez, his heart lies in medieval Spain. He describes in loving detail the sculptures and architecture of Spain's monasteries and churches, abundant examples of Romanesque architecture. "Why do I like Romanesque buildings so much?....When I see a fine example of Romanesque, I feel that I am in the presence of the very best that an age could accomplish, and it was an age that accomplished much. I am at the wellsprings of art, those solid beginnings without which no later art could have achieved much. I am standing with stonemasons who saw things simply and who resisted the temptation of flying off at strange tangents. There is something perpetually clean and honorable about the best Romanesque, and when I see it, my whole being responds, as if the artisans who perfected this style were working for me alone. I hear voices singing in plainsong, or the oboes of Pamplona playing without harmony. I am in a different age, with a different set of values, and I find its simplicity exactly to my taste." (p.869)

Michener will, with this aesthetic of authenticity, delight in the harsh terrain of the Extremadura, centered around Badajoz. The Extremadura was the birthplace of Cortés, Pizarro, and Balboa. He searches in vain for a pure version of flamenco where art is not overshadowed by showmanship. He welcomes the serendipitous. In Barcelona, he witnesses a seemingly spontaneous street dance accompanied by rustic sardana music. In Madrid, he extols the zarzuela, which he compares to operetta and laments its declining popularity. Even a collection of black and white photos by Robert Vara is liberated from the text and could stand alone as a visual essay. He had instructed Vavra to be guided by his instincts, indifferent to any of Michener's inclinations that he might perceive.

Michener concludes his extensive tour with two highly personal chapters. One is on the artistry of the bullfight. The other follows the route of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims. On bullfighting, I have my own opinions. However, I did learn that the bulls are specially bred for specific characteristics on a handful of well-known historic family ranches. At Astorga, near the end of the Santiago de Campostela route, there is an intriguing construction designed by Antonin Gaudí. It is called the Palace of Astorga, and even Michener finds it awe-inspiring.

Of all the locales Michener described, my favorite was almost a side-trip – Las Marismas (the Tidelands). It is southwest of Sevilla, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Río Guadalquivir create a unique seasonal marshland teeming with wildlife. In 1969, in an effort to halt the destruction of this unique area due to agricultural development, the Parque Nacional y Natural de Doñana was created. It is now a World Heritage Site.

This was a sprawling exploration of Spain's culture and history. It was informative but also exhausting. I do not know how much of Spain has changed since Michener's visits. My 3-star rating should not discourage anyone from reading this unique perspective on a country we often think of in terms of romantic fantasies and derogatory generalizations.

NOTES:
Dialnet-ASearchForTheMeaningOfLife-6843420.pdf A SEARCH FOR THE MEANING OF LIFE: JAMES A. MICHENER, YOUTH, AND ETERNAL SPAIN Mark DeStephano. I recommend this essay, which offers a much more comprehensive summary and commentary on this book.

As the only Michener novel illustrated, I managed to make progress through the sometimes rather boring pages. However, in my personal opinion, Michener is truly at his best when dealing with the material he has collected. Having received his graduate degree in Spain and often visiting Iberia, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

I discovered numerous interesting facts throughout this book. It delved into the Royal lines, the Spanish civil war, and, last but not least, Santiago Compostela. These aspects added depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Nevertheless, Michener sometimes, as seen in the aforementioned boring pages, repeatedly returns to topics such as reliefs, frescoes, statues, and church imagery, which really don't pique my interest. But being a loyal Michener fan, I persevered and finished the book. I awarded it four stars as mentioned above due to its elaborate portrayal of peasant life, especially when one is glad to not be an americano.

Overall, it is an enjoyable book for the Michener fan, offering a unique perspective on various aspects of Spanish history and culture.

I've read this article multiple times. It was written some sixty years ago, yet it remains a perspective on Spain that is truly worth reading. Michener's deep love for the country is palpable and contagious. In fact, it was through this piece that I first became acquainted with the Camino de Santiago.

We have traversed thousands of miles along pilgrimage trails. We have written about and given presentations on the Camino de Santiago. Iberia has always been on our list of essential reads before embarking on a journey to Spain. The allure of this region, as described in various works, including this one by Michener, is simply captivating. It makes us eager to explore the rich history, culture, and landscapes that Spain has to offer.

The Camino de Santiago, in particular, holds a special place in our hearts. The idea of following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims throughout history, walking towards a place of spiritual significance, is both inspiring and humbling. We look forward to experiencing this journey firsthand and immersing ourselves in the beauty and mystery of Spain.

It is truly great to read this particular piece, especially when one is planning to travel to Spain. Even though it may not be the most up-to-date information, the perspective that Michener provides regarding the land and its people is extremely valuable. It allows the reader to gain a much better understanding and appreciation of the place and its inhabitants when they eventually visit.

Michener's detailed descriptions and insights offer a unique window into the culture, history, and traditions of Spain. By reading his work beforehand, travelers can enhance their experience and have a more profound connection with the country. It helps them to see beyond the surface and discover the hidden gems and nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Overall, this reading material serves as an excellent pre-travel resource, enriching the traveler's knowledge and setting the stage for a more fulfilling and memorable journey to Spain.

Do Iberia allow name changes?

If you've recently booked a flight with Iberia and happened to notice an error in the name on your ticket, you might find yourself wondering, "Do Iberia allow name changes?" Well, the answer is yes—but it comes with certain conditions.

Name corrections and changes are indeed possible, but it all depends on the fare rules and the timing. To make sure you're following Iberia's guidelines accurately, it is highly recommended that you contact Iberia directly at +1-866-829-1267 (USA) or +44-203-974-5176 (UK).

It's crucial to call +1-866-829-1267 or +44-203-974-5176 as soon as you spot a mistake or need to make a change. Whether it's a simple fix like a misspelled letter or a more formal update due to a legal name change, Iberia's support team is just a phone call away. They will be able to assist you with the process and provide you with the necessary information and guidance to ensure a smooth resolution.

Don't delay in reaching out to Iberia if you have any concerns or issues regarding the name on your ticket. It's always better to address these matters promptly to avoid any potential complications or disruptions to your travel plans.

James Michener appears to have had an aversion to editing.

Any inkling of it seems to have been absent. Whatever pops into his mind simply goes onto the page, which is precisely why this book can lay claim to the length of "War and Peace".

There's a picnic Michener had with a random Spaniard one afternoon in Madrid, a vivid description of a dish, and a sudden recipe (the only one in the entire book).

There's also a fully developed fantasy conversation with a long-departed Spaniard and the plot of a matador film recounted in the tiniest of details.

It's all interesting and it all finds its way into the book.

While at times it can be tiresome (I completely skipped the chapter on the bulls as no one on Earth has the time for that), it remains highly enjoyable.

And as you read his book, you gradually come to like this man.

I waded through half of the book, and in the process, I managed to learn enough to understand the Spanish in his books, Mexico and Texas.

It was quite an experience. However, I could handle only so much art, music, and poetry. While these elements added depth and richness to the narrative, they also presented a challenge for me.

On a positive note, the pictures in the book were simply fabulous. They provided a visual盛宴 that enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the story.

Finally, this book marked the end of my exploration of the works of James Michener. It was a journey that I will not forget, filled with new knowledge, experiences, and emotions.

I truly wanted to have a deep affection for it, but unfortunately, it proved to be quite a challenge.

The narrative alternated rather unpredictably between dull and fascinating vignettes. It was not at all like the typical Michener story that I had come to expect and enjoy.

I'm not entirely certain why I persisted and finished it, but somehow I did. And now, I'm ready to move on to something else from the ever-growing pile beside my bedside.

Maybe the next book will offer a more engaging and fulfilling reading experience. I'm eager to find out and see what adventures and stories await me within its pages.