SEVEN KEYS TO SPANISH CULTURE/SIETE LLAVES A LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA

“Seven Keys to Spanish Culture” is written for the curious visitor to Spain who, intrigued by its unique cultural offerings, seeks deeper insight than guide books can provide, but hasn’t the time to study volumes of history or literature. Through original insights into seven traditional Spanish cultural forms —Moorish architecture, Spanish Romanticism, flamenco, Don Quixote, religious brotherhoods, the Royal Maestranzas, and the bullfight— the author recounts the story that Spanish culture tells, and guides the reader to a deep appreciation of the values represented by these seven iconic cultural forms. The story culminates in a profound and original analysis of the meaning and purpose of the bullfight.
Derek Brereton is an American author and anthropologist. His introduction to Spanish culture came in Málaga when, at age 17, he was smitten by the elusive profundity of both flamenco and the bullfight. Most recently he and his wife, Pamela, lived in Ronda for four months while researching this book.