"Philippe de Commines (or de Commynes or "Philippe de Comines", Latin Philippus Cominaeus; 1447 ? 18 October 1511) was a writer and diplomat in the courts of Burgundy and France. He has been called "the first truly modern writer" (Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve) and "the first critical and philosophical historian since classical times" (Oxford Companion to English Literature). Neither a chronicler nor a historian in the usual sense of the word, his analyses of the contemporary political scene are what made him virtually unique in his own time."--Wikipedia.

William Hickling Prescott's monumental work, 'The History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic,' spans three volumes and offers a detailed account of the reign of one of the most powerful royal couples in Spanish history. Prescott's narrative style is captivating, blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling. His meticulously researched work provides insights into the political, religious, and cultural landscape of 15th-century Spain, making it a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike. The author's eloquent prose and in-depth analysis make this historical account a seminal work in the field of Spanish history. Prescott's dedication to thorough research and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the text, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the era. Overall, 'The History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic' is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Spain and the reign of these influential monarchs.

"The History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic" in 3 volumes is one of the best-known works by the American historian William Hickling Prescott. Isabella I (1451-1504) was Queen of Castile from 1474 and Queen consort of Aragon from 1479, reigning over a dynastically unified Spain jointly with her husband Ferdinand II (1452-1516). After a struggle to claim her right to the throne, she reorganized the governmental system, brought the crime rate to the lowest it had been in years, and unburdened the kingdom of the enormous debt her brother had left behind. Isabella's marriage to Ferdinand in 1469 created the basis of the de facto unification of Spain. Isabella and Ferdinand are known for completing the Reconquista, ordering conversion or exile to their Jewish and Muslim subjects, and for supporting and financing Christopher Columbus's 1492 voyage that led to the opening of the New World and to the establishment of Spain as a major power in Europe and much of the world for more than a century.

Contains a history of the Netherlands.