Antonio Cánovas del Castillo
Historia de la decadencia de España
"Historia de la decadencia de España" by Antonio Cánovas del Castillo is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work examines the decline of Spain from the ascension of Philip III to the death of Charles II, focusing on the political and socio-economic factors that contributed to this period of stagnation and downfall. Cánovas del Castillo, a prominent figure in Spanish politics and history, aims to rectify misconceptions and fill a gap in national historiography regarding Spain's decline. The opening of the text introduces the author's motivations for writing this work, highlighting the lack of serious historical analysis of Spain’s decline since the 17th century. Cánovas del Castillo expresses his intention to offer a comprehensive narrative that challenges the prevailing foreign accounts which, he believes, have misrepresented Spain's history. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing original Spanish sources rather than relying on translations or secondary interpretations, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the political dynamics and historical events of the time. The early chapters reflect a youthful enthusiasm blended with an earnest desire to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of Spain’s historical trajectory.