Customer Reviews
Iberia - By: Jenx, 15 Aug 2008 
This is one of the most fascinating & enjoyable books on Spain I have read.Until two years ago I had never been to Spain - excited by the promise of a magical land but apprehensive of the ruin caused by so many Europeans(mainly British)who populate the costas & not apparently (as commonly believed) to the true benefit of the Spaniards.
I have however bought many, many books on Spain to try & discover the soul of the country.This is by far the best, My recent visits(to the Picos de Europa & the province of Salamanca) convince me that thankfully "real"(or imagined!) Spain(ie not the proliferation of North European sunshine extensions) exists still.
Michener brings the country to life in a fascinating way & his mix of descriptions of people he meets & the detail of the places he visits is compelling.This is without doubt an essential read before or during your visit to this magical country.Even though the book is written 4 decades ago you cannot help but feel that you are with Michener as we travel Spain.
Only regrets are the absence of places such as Ciudad Rodrigo,Uruena & Segovia in his book which are alll deserving of a visit-.... & I am sure that there are many more which I hope to discover in the coming years.If only I could take Michener with me to capture the real experience!
Buy this & enjoy it!
Michener's best non-fiction - By: , 02 May 1999 "Iberia" is a travel log which Michener compiled over years of trips to Spain. His love & respect for this "castle of old dreams & new realities" are evident in his poetic & informative language. We are also treated to people who, though nonfictional, are characterized as larger-than-life members of a fantastic story. Not having even been to Spain, & despite the book's age (30+) years, I feel I have been there many times & could take anyone on a tour of the nation. Fabulous.
it wonderfully describes the contradictions of Spain - By: , 14 Dec 1998 TWIMC I carried a paperback edition of this book with me in Ecuador & Peru & found it fundamental in understanding the Spanish mind. When I visit Spain it will be with me also but, I won't begin my vist in Malaga!
Superb insights into Spain; long, but worth every minute - By: , 18 Oct 1998 An excellent narrative about Spain & the Spanish people. I've lived in Spain for 4 years & find the insights spot on. Although written over 30 years ago in the heart of the Franco era, it is still a wonderful primer on the country.
A brilliant and detailed description of spain - By: , 18 Jun 1998 
This book is long but entertaining. The visualization of the land is accurate. I would recommend it only to people who enjoy long & detailed descriptions. The contrasts of the land & people are astonishing
