The Shortest History of Madrid
2026
Madrid’s story is one of the most unlikely of any European capital.
Linda Jaivin is one of Australia’s best and most versatile writers.
Out 29 September 2026
The Shortest History of Madrid
'A playground for kings and courts, a proving ground for the talented and a battleground between democracy and fascism'
The only European capital founded as a Muslim settlement, Madrid has a story as diverse as its population today.
Australian editionLinda Jaivin is an internationally published Australian author, cultural commentator,essayist and translator. She is the author of thirteen books – seven novels and sixworks of non-fiction including her latest, Bombard the Headquarters! China’s CulturalRevolution and The Shortest History of China, which has been translated into nearlytwo dozen languages. She lives in Sydney on the unceded land of the Gadigalpeople of the Eora nation.
Photo by Anna HaMore History Books from Linda
PODCAST
China: The First Emperor
With contributions from Frances Wood, author of The First Emperor; Steve Tsang, The Political Thought of Xi Jinping; Amanda Hsiao, senior China analyst for the Crisis Group; Nathan Law, exiled activist, Hong Kong Umbrella Movement; Chris Buckley, Chief China correspondent of the New York Times now based in Taiwan; plus Paul French, Linda Jaivin, Tania Branigan and Ian Johnson, author of Sparks.
Presenter Misha Glenny is the author of McMafia and a former Central Europe correspondent for the BBC. The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.
Upcoming Events
16 October
Linda Jaivin - The Shortest History of Madrid: In conversation with Luke Stegemann
Friday 16 October 2026 at 6:30 pm AEST
Avid Reader Bookshop
Tickets from $15.00 / Book and ticket deal $37.99
Luke Stegemann, author of Madrid: A New Biography, joins Linda Jaivin in conversation for the launch of The Shortest History of Madrid at Avid Reader Bookshop, Brisbane.
20 October
Linda Jaivin and John Zubrzycki at Paperchain
Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 5:30 pm AEDT
Paperchain Bookstore
Free
Linda Jaivin, author of The Shortest History of Madrid, in conversation with John Zubrzycki, author of The Shortest History of Delhi, at Paperchain Bookstore, Manuka.
29 October
Linda Jaivin and John Zubrzycki in conversation
Thursday 29 October 2026 at 6:30 pm AEDT
Upstairs at Gleebooks
Tickets from $15.00 / Book and ticket deal $60.00 (both books included)
Linda Jaivin and John Zubrzycki in conversation with Satyajit Das for the release of The Shortest History of Madrid and The Shortest History of Delhi, at Gleebooks, Glebe.
Some Of My Books
Beijing
2014
Beijing introduces you to the lively history of the capital of China, one full of grandeur and spectacle as well as sieges, massacres, and rebellions.
The Empress Lover
2014
A witty and playful mystery set in contemporary Beijing, The Empress Lover is Linda Jaivin’s seventh novel and her most accomplished.
Found in Translation: In Praise of a Plural World
2013
Found in Translation: In praise of a plural world is a free-ranging essay, personal and informed, about translation in its narrowest and broadest senses, and the prism – occasionally prison – of culture.
The Infernal Optimist
2006
The Infernal Optimist is a portrait of a part of Australia rarely seen in fiction, and a daring dark comedy about an issue – refugees – that is no laughing matter. It was short-listed for the Australian Literary Society Gold Medal 2007.
The Monkey and the Dragon
2001
The Monkey and the Dragon is a memoir, biography and travel book
Eat Me
1995
An erotic novel that follows the adventures of four young women in Sydney who meet regularly to share stories about their sexual encounters. The novel became an international bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.