Spain

A history of Spain's decline during Philip IV's reign from 1621 to 1665.

The book opens with the baptism of Prince Philip Dominic in Valladolid in 1605, a moment that symbolized Spain's fading glory. Philip IV, born into a failing empire, would spend his reign struggling to maintain Spain's position as a world power. The court of Madrid, with its lavish displays of wealth, masked a nation in deep economic decline. Philip IV, devoted to his religious faith but lacking the statesmanship to address Spain's problems, presided over a period of increasing decadence. The book details how Spain's economic collapse, stemming from mismanagement, the expulsion of the Moriscos, and constant warfare, led to the country's decline. Philip IV's inability to reverse these trends, coupled with his reliance on favorites like Olivares, marked the end of Spain's golden age. The story follows the king's personal struggles and the nation's painful awakening to its own decline.