In "A History of Spain," Arturo Pérez-Reverte explores the complexities of the Catalan ruling class, revealing its historical entanglement with the infamous slave trade and its economic ventures in colonial Cuba. This class, deeply rooted in wealth accumulation through morally questionable practices, exemplifies the darker aspects of Spain's colonial legacy. Their financial interests were secured over time, fostering a sense of entitlement and stability among the elite, regardless of the varying percentages of wealth they may have acquired. This narrative highlights the tension between economic prosperity and ethical considerations, questioning the sources of power that sustained the ruling hierarchy. The observation that the ruling class had long managed to cling to its riches, whether it was three percent or even up to ninety percent, illustrates the entrenched systems of inequality and exploitation that have characterized Spain's history. Pérez-Reverte's work serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the consequences of historical injustices in shaping societal structures.

In "A History of Spain," Arturo Pérez-Reverte explores the complexities of the Catalan ruling class, revealing its historical entanglement with the infamous slave trade and its economic ventures in colonial Cuba. This class, deeply rooted in wealth accumulation through morally questionable practices, exemplifies the darker aspects of Spain's colonial legacy. Their financial interests were secured over time, fostering a sense of entitlement and stability among the elite, regardless of the varying percentages of wealth they may have acquired.

This narrative highlights the tension between economic prosperity and ethical considerations, questioning the sources of power that sustained the ruling hierarchy. The observation that the ruling class had long managed to cling to its riches, whether it was three percent or even up to ninety percent, illustrates the entrenched systems of inequality and exploitation that have characterized Spain's history. Pérez-Reverte's work serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the consequences of historical injustices in shaping societal structures.