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Review
‘[Preston’s] economical style, together with a telling choice of quotes and mordant use of irony, serve his purpose admirably…it is founded upon a vast knowledge and will not easily be refuted.’ History Today
‘Not just a detailed description of events but a real interpretation of the causes and course of the war. By allowing the actors of the great Spanish drama to speak, he captures the dynamics of the civil war.’ La Stampa
‘Paul Preston’s book throws new, definitive light on the conflict.’ L’Unità
Product Description
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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
`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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Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
29 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
While this may not be the most complete book about the Spanish Civil War, it is a pleasantly well written and concise account of the conflict.
It provides a good overview of the civil war years, without the pain of going through dates, battles and all the detail that you may find on other history books. It does have a good index of references at the end though.Paul Preston's prose has such a good rithm that it feels almost like reading a novel.
A good recomendation for those that wish some general knowledge about the war. If you want something more detailed (with pictures, front evolution maps etc) you will need to go for a bigger volume.
It provides a good overview of the civil war years, without the pain of going through dates, battles and all the detail that you may find on other history books. It does have a good index of references at the end though.Paul Preston's prose has such a good rithm that it feels almost like reading a novel.
A good recomendation for those that wish some general knowledge about the war. If you want something more detailed (with pictures, front evolution maps etc) you will need to go for a bigger volume.
25 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was essentially re-edited owing to the 70th anniversary of the war that started last year and will end in 2009. Preston's work on the subject is exemplary to begin with and this particular book is no exception.
Admittedly, I brought it to help with study and read it to help with revision some months later. However, Preston's book is interesting and informative on the matter. It might not be as long as others on the war but it is nonetheless a fine work. It is a perfect book for those who know little or nothing on the war and should not be overlooked when considering the war.
Admittedly, I brought it to help with study and read it to help with revision some months later. However, Preston's book is interesting and informative on the matter. It might not be as long as others on the war but it is nonetheless a fine work. It is a perfect book for those who know little or nothing on the war and should not be overlooked when considering the war.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Informative but extremely one-sided
Paul Preston need not have warned readers early on that his work lacked any pretense of objectivity. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gene T
Must have book.
Alan Massie wrote of Preston that he "knows more about the Spanish Civil War than any other Englishman; more, even, than those who fought it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Red Eyes
Excellent
Excellent, chilling coverage from a respected historian. Highly readable yet scholarly account of the cascade into hell that left such profound and persistent scars on the nation.
Published 7 months ago by Pat Edinburgh
A concise and largely enjoyable account
This book is very good if you want a concise account of a conflict which is little-known by many. All the main aspects of the conflict are included, such as the 'build-up', key... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Jon 'ET' A
Excellent.
A superbly written brief history of the Spanish Civil War, well documented and very revealing. It is no sin to defend the constitutional government of the Republic and criticize (... Read more
Published on 24 July 2009 by Rinconete
Slanted, doctored and biased
Totally and utterly biased. The Nationalists can do no right, while the Republic can do no wrong. This book should be treated with great caution even by those who have a wealth of... Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2007 by Perry Frederick Hadley
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