The colorful history of Spain's capital city that has welcomed all kinds—intellectuals, vagrants, artists—from its military outpost origins to present-day democracy

From the Moors to modernity, Madrid has been variously influenced by saints and politicians, war and art, tradition and change, dictators and democracy. It has long drawn travelers and creatives to experience this blend of tradition and innovation firsthand, most recently landing Spain as the second most-visited country in the world, and has inspired countless films, novels, poems, and songs that attempt to capture the city's unique sensibility.

In sparkling narrative prose, Linda Jaivin leads listeners on a brisk tour of Madrid's colorful history from ancient kingdoms to modern multiculturalism, making sense of its centuries-long power struggles and volatile politics, assessing the dictators and the kings that have left a permanent mark.

Expanding on Madrid's vibrant intellectualism and status as a haven for creatives with intriguing profiles and vibrant examples of the city's finest art and architecture, Jaivin crafts a comprehensive portrait of a city renowned for artistry in every form. Jaivin draws from her own time spent steeped in the city's culture and extensive research on its key figures, turning points, and cultural touchstones.

As much an incisive history as a catalog of can't-miss sights and experiences, this is an insider's guide to the magic—and magnitude—of Madrid.