How did Spain become the greatest power in sixteenth century Europe? This book examines whether the sixteenth century was a golden age for Spain culturally as well as in terms of society and economy.

List of illustrations, Series preface, Acknowledgements, Simplified family tree of the ruling families in Spain, 1474-1598, Map 1 Kingdoms and Provinces of the Iberian Peninsula, 1474, 1. Spain at the time of its 'unification', 2. The domestic policies of Ferdinand and Isabella, 3. How successful were the foreign policies of Ferdinand and Isabella?, 4. Charles I as ruler of Spain, 5. Foreign affairs during the reign of Charles I, 6. What problems confronted Philip II in his government of Spain?, 7. The successes and failures of Philip II's foreign policy, 8. Was the sixteenth century 'a golden century' for Spain?, Notes, Select bibliography, Index