{"product_id":"2940033278558","title":"The A to Z of Spanish Culture","description":"\u003cp\u003eAre you planning to visit Spain this summer? Or maybe you are just interested in finding out what Spanish society is like, how its history, traditions, art and politics have made the country what it is today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf any of the above apply to you, you will enjoy \"The A to Z of Spanish Culture\", as you compare how many of the Spanish stereotypes are really a part of Spain today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author Pilar Ortí was born and bred in Spain. She grew up in a society trying to figure out how to adapt to its new found freedom and how best to join the rest of Europe. Having lived in London now for over twenty years (time flies!), Pilar has written this \"A to Z of Spanish Culture\" with plenty of perspective, a bit of nostalgia and above all, a desire to demystify a country that is still represented abroad by toros and flamenco.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis light book about Spain is divided into different chapters, each headed by a Spanish word that opens up a whole aspect of Spanish culture: Spain's history, its society, traditions, art, gastronomy or language.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs you read this book, you will have a much better idea of what Spain is like today. From grape-eating on New Year’s Eve to the re-enactment of 13th century battles; from the failed military coup in the 80’s to the recent fall from grace of the King; from the origin of the fideua (the pasta-based version of paella) to the origin of the popular tapas, \"The A to Z of Spanish Culture\" will get you closer to Spain today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you hear the word España, you will never think of flamenco dancers again, unless you picture an uncomfortable child dressed up in a sevillana outfit, looking at the camera, thinking: \"Why did you put me in this dress?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom the readers' mouths:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"El libro es una herramienta indispensable para acercarse a la cultura y a la idiosincrasia española. La autora hace un repaso por diversos hitos culturales, sociales, geográficos, gastronómicos e históricos que revelan mucho de la conciencia de un país y de una sociedad que se encuentra a medio camino todavía entre la tradición y la modernidad.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMe lo he devorado en pocas horas y lo he disfrutado mucho. Realmente merece la pena comprarlo.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The book is an essential tool to get closer to Spanish idiosyncrasy and culture. The author presents various cultural, social, geographical, gastronomical and historical aspects which reveal much about the conscience of a country and society still half-way between tradition and modernity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI devoured it in a few hours and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Really worth the purchase.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(As reviewed on Amazon.es.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Prima, there are many things in here I didn't know about. Guay.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(Pilar's cousin.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe A to Z of Spanish Culture contents:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA is for Amor\u003cbr\u003eLove of Crowds and Cars.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eB is for Botellón\u003cbr\u003eDrinking habits and life in the Barrios.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eC is for Corona\u003cbr\u003eDemocracy and the Royal Family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eD is for Duende\u003cbr\u003eFlamenco and Lorca.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eE is for Euro\u003cbr\u003eSpain and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eF is for Fútbol\u003cbr\u003eFootball and sport.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eG is for Goya\u003cbr\u003eClassic painters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eH is for ¡Hola!\u003cbr\u003eGreetings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI is for Inglés\u003cbr\u003eSpain’s relationship with the U.K.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJ is for ¡Joder!\u003cbr\u003eSwearing and other slang.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eK is for Kilómetro\u003cbr\u003eUseful metrics and a Madrid famous landmark.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eL is for Laico\u003cbr\u003eThe Church in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eM is for Movida\u003cbr\u003eThe 80’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eN is for Nupcias\u003cbr\u003eMarriage and weddings in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eÑ is for Ñ\u003cbr\u003eNationalism\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eO is for ¡Olé!\u003cbr\u003eSpanish traditions, including toros!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eP is for Paraguas\u003cbr\u003eThe weather in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQ is for Quijote\u003cbr\u003eGreat classic writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eR is for Refrán\u003cbr\u003eSpanish sayings and proverbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eS is for Sobremesa and Siesta\u003cbr\u003eLong lunches and siestas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eT is for Tapas\u003cbr\u003eFavourite foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eU is for Uvas\u003cbr\u003eChristmas traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eV is for Vino\u003cbr\u003eWines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eW is for W.C.\u003cbr\u003eToilets (not many words begin with W in Spanish!)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eX is for Xenofobia\u003cbr\u003eRacism and immigration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eY is for Yo\u003cbr\u003eSaints' days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZ is for Zarzuela\u003cbr\u003eMusicals and theatre in Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pilar Orti","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47168482279664,"sku":"2940033278558","price":6.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940033278558_p0.jpg?v=1763659213","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940033278558","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}