‘Their pursuits are the cigar and the siesta’: how two centuries of British writers helped forge our view of Spain

Richard Ford’s incisive critique of Spain in his 1960s travelogues laid the groundwork for centuries of self-image shaping through British perceptions. By branding the nation as “dark, devout,” he painted a culture defined by cynicism, fanatism, and hypocrisy—portraits that have since evolved into a more romanticized view influenced by 19th-century travelers who celebrated Spain’s rich history, grand architecture, and vibrant culture. A new anthology compiles Ford alongside 20 other British writers from the 19th to present century, offering a multifaceted exploration of how Spain has been seen through diverse lenses over time.