First published in 1845, Richard Ford's Cosas de España; tomo 2 (Things of Spain; Volume 2) is the second part of his monumental travelogue. Forget the polished, romantic Spain of poets. Ford gives you the real deal—the Spain of mule tracks, smoky taverns, and proud locals. This volume continues his journey, diving deeper into the character of the land and its people.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot. Instead, Ford acts as your guide on a sprawling, intellectual road trip. He picks up where the first volume left off, venturing further into regions like Andalusia and Castile. He describes towns and cities in vivid detail, but the real story is in his observations. He talks about Spanish art, architecture, and history with the eye of a scholar, but he's just as likely to spend pages analyzing the national character, the politics of the time, or the proper way to eat a gazpacho. The 'narrative' is the unfolding of Spain itself through Ford's sharp, witty, and deeply personal commentary.

Why You Should Read It

You read this for Ford's voice. He's a fantastic companion—irascible, funny, and wildly knowledgeable. He doesn't hold back. You'll laugh at his rants about uncomfortable Spanish beds and his sarcastic asides about bureaucratic inefficiency. But then, his descriptions of a flamenco performance or the Alhambra by moonlight are so passionate and beautifully written that you realize his complaints come from a place of deep affection. He's trying to understand a culture vastly different from his own, and he lets you see both his struggles and his moments of pure wonder. It's like having the smartest and most argumentative travel buddy imaginable.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for travelers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a strong, personality-driven narrative. It's not a quick, easy read—Ford's prose is dense with detail—but it's incredibly rewarding. If you've ever been to Spain and wondered about its past, or if you just love the idea of time-traveling with a brilliantly observant curmudgeon, you'll find Cosas de España absolutely captivating. It's the best kind of history lesson: one filled with dust, wine, opinion, and life.