The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge
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UPDATED EDITION
A rousing and full-blooded account of the Spanish Civil War and the rise to prominence of General Franco.
No modern conflict has inflamed the passions of both civilians and intellectuals as much as the Spanish Civil War of 1936–39. Burned into our collective historical consciousness, it not only prefigured the imminent Second World War but also ushered in a new and horrific form of warfare that would come to define the twentieth century. At the same time it echoed the revolutionary aspirations of millions of Europeans and Americans after the painful years of the Great Depression.
In this authoritative history, Paul Preston vividly recounts the political ideals and military horrors of the Spanish Civil War – including the controversial bombing of Guernica – and tracks the emergence of General Franco’s brutal but extraordinarily durable fascist dictatorship.
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Additional information
| Publisher | William Collins (30 Jun. 2016) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 381 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780007232079 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0007232079 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2.7 x 19.8 cm |
by Sarugumo
`The Spanish Civil War’ is a well researched and scholarly account of this often overlooked, but contentious conflict. The first hundred pages of this book are the driest to read which doesn’t bode well initially, but with perseverance it quickly become more engaging and interesting to read. The first part of the book explores the setting and lead up to the war and is necessary to fully appreciate what comes afterwards. The atrocities of the war are shocking to read and whilst the conflict is complex to fully understand, this book goes some way to clarifying it. This book is mildly biased in favour of the republicans, but not only is the acknowledged in the introduction, it is to be expected when you realise how despised Franco has become and the atrocities he committed. There are two middle plate sections with various photos of the conflict and whilst they are not especially relevant to some of the text, they do set the scene very well. This falls down by not explaining some of Franco’s involvement in WW2 which would be interesting considering the Civil war ended in 1939 and he was supported by Mussolini and Hitler. There is also scant mention of how he died and the immediate repercussions, although the latter aspect is touched upon very briefly. Overall though this is an interesting account of the conflict and despite the slow start makes for an informative and engaging read.
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by brambledogs
It is a very well written book. The author doesn’t leave anything behind. The Spanish Civil War was a gruesome and despicable war. It was the onset of WWII and not many people know about it. It brought the Spaniards pain, hunger and death. Sadly the memory or the dictator still lingers… and the fascists are rising up.
by Ingrid Temple
Very informative. I know more now.
by Princess Anne
Reading this book on the Civil War in Spain finally made me understand this complex conflict – at least, to a deeper level than I had previously, but I’m aware I have a long way to go. Perhaps most importantly, it has inspired me to read more, to visit archives, to go to places in Spain and try to get underneath the motivations. It’s become another link in my understanding of 20th century politics and the international situation. It has made me incredulous that we know so much as a nation about WW2 yet so little about this war, the precursor, the rehearsal. Why has it been hidden from us to date? Was it shame that our government hid its head in the sand and therefore supported fascism? Was it shame that only ordinary men and women, despairing of our rulers, took the decisions into their own hands to go and fight, to take in refugees, to raise funds and materials, to risk their lives giving medical aid? That’s the next big question. Britain has a lot to be shameful for. Perhaps the very least we can be is informed, because not to know is in itself shameful.
by Reader
This is a very detailed and authoritative history, and not light reading. But for a book about a war to be published with no maps beggars belief! In all other respects good though.
by brambledogs
I have nothing but praise for Paul Preston’s book on the Spanish Civil War. A consummate historian. He tries very hard not to show his bias for the Republican side but then it would be difficult to avoid doing this given the nature aand conduct of Franco and his Fascist supporters and troops. The Republicans were not blameless but never matched their opponents’ brutality and cruelty.
by Anna Beckwith
Having recently bought a home a Spanish fishing village I am very keen to acquaint myself with the Spanish culture. It is clear that the Civil War still leaves many scars. The book gave me a good overview of the background and progression of the war and it issues. I got a little lost with the myriad of the names of the key players. My reaction on completion is that I need to know more and I am now on another book.
by bluesman
I would like to read a book about the Spanish Civil War which is not more than 500 pages. Luckily, I have found Paul Preston’s masterpiece. It tells me not just about the war but about the society and the culture of Spain which are key things to understand what are the origins. Starting from the First Republic and the struggle of the powers, the book gives a good frame to follow the events. However, I am almost sure that during the reading you have to take break – because of the horror and the detailed accounts what were happened…
I recommend this masterpiece to everyone.