This title investigates the social meanings of 'cursi,' a term evoking bad taste and pretensions of refinement, as a lens into Spanish history and the evolution of middle-class culture. The author, Nol Maureen Valis, examines how this concept reveals the aspirations and self-perceptions of the Spanish middle class, particularly during periods of significant social and economic change. By analyzing the cultural significance of 'cursi,' the book offers insights into historical notions of taste, social mobility, and the construction of identity within Spanish society.

The book is positioned as a scholarly examination of a specific cultural term and its historical implications within Spain. Its focus on 'cursi' suggests an in-depth analysis of social class, taste, and historical development, likely appealing to academics and those interested in Spanish cultural history. The approach of using a single concept to illuminate broader societal trends indicates a detailed and nuanced exploration of the subject matter.