In the 1990s, as a teacher of A-level early modern English and European history, I leaned heavily on Sir John Elliott’s excellent book Imperial Spain to provide me with a guide and source material. I even persuaded our school librarian to buy three copies so that my students could dip in and extend their own awareness – almost unheard of as the budget was so tight.
When one particular class had left, I checked the books in the library and found that a student had written on the title page of one copy (in pencil): “This is the best book ever on Spanish history.”
Even allowing for exaggeration, this tribute, I feel sure, would have delighted any scholar.
