After the generation that produced the First Spanish Republic, intellectuals briefly controlled the state apparatus during the Second Spanish Republic. Their engagement in political life, relationship to power, and subsequent assumption of state duties provide a key to understanding Spain’s national history over the first third of the twentieth century. In short, the history of Spain’s intellectuals is tied inextricably to the history of the nation. To define what was at stake and explain the modes, stages and extent of the phenomenon involves a revival and renewal of political history and cultural history. Only recently has this history been regarded as a collective phenomenon, whose study ultimately has become a discipline in its own right. Prior to presenting the new approaches, it is appropriate to recall what this history entailed. After a brief examination of the current state of play, the paper outlines a set of methodological proposals drawing on the “balance and perspective” approach.