Author of ‘Los orígenes de la España contemporánea' (The Origins of Contemporary Spain), and the recipient of the Principe de Asturias de Ciencias Sociales and the Nacional de Historia Española Awards.

He was “one of the most prestigious historians of the intellectual Spanish community.  He was considered a moderate and objective individual in the most diverse circles.  His personal demeanor was that of an even-tempered individual, even in his personal relations.  A man who never caused drama,” as described by Maria Anson in El Cultural Magazine.  He received the Premio Príncipe de Asturias de Ciencias Sociales Award in 1991 and Nacional de Historia de España Award in 1992.  His work was a reference in order to understand the Spain of the XIX Century, and his work, “Los orígenes de la España contemporánea“ (The Origins of Contemporary Spain), was an essential reference to underestanding the essence of our nation today.

Artola was born in San Sebastian in 1923 and received a degree in History in 1945 and a PhD in Humanities from the Universidad Central in Madrid in 1949. During the 60s he received the professorship of History of Spain at the University of Salamanca, where he stayed until 1969.  It was in that same year that he transfered to execute the same position at the Universidad Autónoma in Madrid.  Between the years of 1975-1976 he was Secretary of the Departamento de Historia de la Fundacion Juan March (Department of History at the Juan March Foundation) and a member of the Comisión Asesora (Advisory Committee) of this same institution in 1977 and 1978.  He was also a collaborator in the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) (High Commission of Scientific Investigations).  On March 20, he was elected Scholar of the Real Academia de la Historia (Royal History Academy) and in 1986 President of the Instituto de España (Institute of Spain).

Read more: El Cultural