The emphasis in these books is on cultural history.However，the early chapters give rundowns of the political conditions in their respective countries.Both titles feature discussions of daily life and religious concerns，as well as major artists and writers.This makes for an effective presentation，enhanced by colorful illustrations and graphics.In some cases，the main text is set off by full-page sidebars that give further information on related topics.For example，Cervantes is briefly mentioned in the section on Spanish literature，but he is given more coverage in a nearby box.Of the two，England is the stronger as Spain，which covers a period from roughly Columbus's discovery of America to about 1700，suffers from some redundancies.Overall，however，these are both excellent choices for libraries in need of materials dealing with European cultural history.

History

Chapter One A PROUD LAND

 Invasion

 Tudor England

 A New Queen for a New Era

 Mary, Queen of Scots

 The Spanish Armada

 Explorations

 Elizabeth's Final Years

 Map

Cultural History

Chapter Two A GOLDEN AGE

 The Renaissance

 Poetry

 Theater

 The Drama of Shakespeare

 Art and Architecture

 Music

Belief System

Chapter Three DIVINE ORDER

 Christianity and the Reformation

 The English Compromise

 The Idea of Order

 Astrology

Beliefs and Society

Chapter Four SOCIAL ORDER

 Distinct Classes

 Women

 Children and Education

 Daily Life

The Legacy of the Elizabethans

Chapter Five A LASTING GIFT

 England and the Americas

 The English Language

 ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND：A CHRONOLOGY

 GLOSSARY

 FOR FURTHER READING

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX