Madrid: A New Biography by Luke Stegemann offers a deeply engaging and insightful portrait of Spain’s capital, shaped through centuries of transformation.
It’s not a conventional travel book nor a rigid historical account, but something more intimate and reflective — a narrative that treats the city as a character in its own story.
The book unfolds Madrid’s journey from its modest Islamic roots through the grandeur of empire, into the complexities of modern urban life. What makes it particularly compelling is how it reveals Madrid’s personality — not just through architectural evolution or political shifts, but through everyday traditions, civic identity, and the quiet beauty of its neighbourhoods. The city is portrayed as resilient, contradictory, and proud, with its culture and tourism shaped as much by history as by the mood of the present day.
Throughout, the writing is elegant and accessible. It’s structured with care, allowing readers to absorb Madrid’s layered identity without being overwhelmed by dates or data. The prose brings together historical events, personal reflections, and cultural observations in a way that feels both thoughtful and evocative.
For those visiting Madrid with a professional lens — particularly in hospitality or business travel — this book provides essential context. It invites you to look beyond surface impressions and engage with the city as a dynamic cultural force.
Yale University Press RRP £12.99 (paperback)