Barcelona tells the story of the growth of this Mediterranean metropolis - in relation to Catalunya, to the rest of Spain, and to Europe and America - over 1500 years of civic existence. Mainly, his history is keyed to the stones of Barcelona - its architecture. But Hughes’ account is rich in political, economic and military drama, and the play of remarkable personalities from Wilfred the Hairy, legendary founding king of Barcelona, to Antonio Gaudi. His entertaining account is also concerned with painting, sculpture, poetry, folklore, traditional crafts and metiers of land and sea, language, opera, clothes and food. Throughout, he asks - and answers - these intriguing dquestions: : What is it about the Catalans that makes them - has always made them - so modern? Why are they so Spanish, yet so very un-Spanish?