This article offers a review of the most relevant general dictionaries of Spanish. In doing so, we consider briefly the relationship between linguistic norms, standardization and dictionaries, highlighting the concept of "general dictionary" as most relevant to the issue of normativity. Thereafter, we take a look at the historical origins and emergence of Spanish general lexicography. Finally, we pay attention to more recent developments in the field as there are the lexicographic implications and consequences of pluricentricity which implies a new mode of codification as well as new developments due to digitalization.