Charting the evolution of the seaports of Atlantic Spain and Portugal over four centuries, this book examines the often dynamic interaction between the large privileged ports of Lisbon, Seville and Cadiz (the Metropoles) and the smaller ports of, among others, Porto, Galicia and Santander (the Second Tier). With the long-term privileging and monopolies of the larger ports in decline, a new era of tremendous economic and entrepreneurial dynamism ensued for the coastal provinces of both countries.Professor O'Flanagan employs a wealth of source material to provide a multi-faceted survey of the growth of these port cities, moving deftly between local concerns to regional developments and global relationships. As well as Spain and Portugal, Professor O'Flanagan also considers the important role played by the Atlantic archepelagos of The Canaries, the Azores and Medeira.This formidable study will be an essential addition to the library of those studying Atlantic Iberia, historical geography, and transatlantic economic relationships of this period
