The rise of Spain from obscurity to the position of Europe's greatest power is centrally important in the history of Western Europe in the sixteenth century. Spain, 1474-1598 explores key themes including the unification of Spain and the domestic and foreign policies of each of the monarchs-Ferdinand and Isabella, Charles V, and Philip II. This book also examines whether the sixteenth century was a 'golden century' for Spain culturally with its art and literature, as well as with its society and economy.