'This meticulously researched book presents a vivid portrait of King Juan Carlos from his awkward years as Franco's chosen successor as the Head of State of an authoritarian regime to his achievements in promoting and defending the new democracy after Franco's death in 1975. Few modern kings have played so important a role. Dr Powell's biography is therefore essential reading if we are to understand contemporary Spain.' - Sir Raymond Carr

• Foreword - Acknowledgements - Family Tree - Years of Exile and Uncertainty - After Franco, Who? - Prince of Spain - The Succession of Crisis - After Franco, What? - In the Driving Seat at last - King of a Parliamentary Monarchy - Consolidating, and defending, Democracy - Juan Carlos at Home and Abroad - Looking to the Future - Bibliography - Index

'This meticulously researched book presents a vivid portrait of King Juan Carlos from his awkward years as Franco's chosen successor as the Head of State of an authoritarian regime to his achievements in promoting and defending the new democracy after Franco's death in 1975. Few modern kings have played so important a role. Dr Powell's biography is therefore essential reading if we are to understand contemporary Spain.' - Sir Raymond Carr

• Foreword - Acknowledgements - Family Tree - Years of Exile and Uncertainty - After Franco, Who? - Prince of Spain - The Succession of Crisis - After Franco, What? - In the Driving Seat at last - King of a Parliamentary Monarchy - Consolidating, and defending, Democracy - Juan Carlos at Home and Abroad - Looking to the Future - Bibliography - Index

'This meticulously researched book presents a vivid portrait of King Juan Carlos from his awkward years as Franco's chosen successor as the Head of State of an authoritarian regime to his achievements in promoting and defending the new democracy after Franco's death in 1975. Few modern kings have played so important a role. Dr Powell's biography is therefore essential reading if we are to understand contemporary Spain.' - Sir Raymond Carr

• Foreword - Acknowledgements - Family Tree - Years of Exile and Uncertainty - After Franco, Who? - Prince of Spain - The Succession of Crisis - After Franco, What? - In the Driving Seat at last - King of a Parliamentary Monarchy - Consolidating, and defending, Democracy - Juan Carlos at Home and Abroad - Looking to the Future - Bibliography - Index