Book excerpt: This book seeks to bridge a gap in the historiography of Spain and Great Britain by arguing that while the 18th century witnessed periods of tension, conflict, and hostility between the two powers, their relationship remained multifaceted and significant across other domains. Throughout the 18th century, Spain and Great Britain cycled through phases of open warfare, armed peace, and deep suspicion. The British captures of Gibraltar and Menorca dealt a severe blow to the newly established Bourbon dynasty in Spain. However, even in times of war, not all communication channels are closed, and through these, numerous formal and informal contacts managed to transcend the volatile political climate and enmities. The contributors of this volume delve beyond the well-known animosity and conflicts to explore the spectrum of interactions, encompassing cultural exchange, traditional diplomacy, trade, espionage, and a multitude of other facets. This volume is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the intricate dynamics between Great Britain and Spain during the 18th century, as well as to a broader audience of historians and both undergraduate and postgraduate students of history and international relations.