Book wanted

Herr-Berbunch · 08-30-11, 10:49 AM

Sorry, not naval.

Can anyone recommend a good book about the Spanish Civil War? Please don't just Google some, I'd like personal recommendations.

Quite a few things I've read in the last couple of years have referenced, or been partially involving with the conflict with the International Brigade and the Condor Legion amongst others. Now I'd like to read a book specifically on the subject with little or no deviation elsewhere.

Musts are: factual, interesting, anecdotal/humerous (where possible). Oh, and in English!

I await your replies, and thanks in advance,

HB

Gerald · 08-30-11, 10:52 AM

I can deliver something tomorrow,

Jimbuna · 08-30-11, 11:51 AM

I've read this one in my local library reference section....mainly first-hand accounts and very informative IMHO.

Here is a link with the opportunity to 'look inside' the book:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heroic-Voice...4722670&sr=1-6#_

Of course, if you did decide to purchase the book you could use the SS link to Amazon.co.uk

08-30-11, 12:49 PM

I have read The Spanish Civil War by Hugh Thomas, for a long time perhaps the most complete English language single volume. I have an older edition written when Franco still rules (he apparently had it banned in Spain although he allowed Prof Thomas access to government archives). It's now in its fourth edition and has been updated with new info several times since it was first published.

Anthony Beevor's The Battle for Spain is on my to buy list, I have a number of his books and am generally pleased with the quality and extent of his research and soundness of his conclusions but have not yet read the book.

Lots of new scholarship out there as the Civil War generation passes away but as you note, much is memoirs or popular subject exclusive.

I'd probably go with the latest edition of Thomas.

Penguin · 08-30-11, 04:16 PM

You may have already read it, but I can recommend one by my favourite author: Homage to Catalonia, by George Orwell.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by deviation, it certainly is subjective, as he fought for the Republicans and it is written from his POV, so this goes more among Jim's book.
Although subjective it sticks to the facts and covers also the ugly experiences he had with the inner-republican fighting. It definitely lead to an overhaul of his political views and led to the writing of Animal Farm.

Oh, and I would definitely check out Randomizer's Beevor recommendation. I haven't read his book about Spain, but if it is like his Stalingrad book it is worth a peek. In this book, Beevor tried to cover both sides, which he managed quite well, so this could be the book if you are looking for a more objective general overview about all sides.

08-30-11, 09:00 PM

Homage to Catalonia is riveting but is (in my opinion) tainted as a narrative with Orwell's deep cynicism and disillusionment with Republican infighting. Although based on a diary he kept in theatre, it was written after the civil war when his contempt for the political Left was almost equal to his hatred of all things fascist. An immensely valuable insight into an Englishman's experience with one of the International Brigades but very narrow in scope and extremely biased. Worth reading as a source but not as the source.

08-30-11, 10:49 AM	#1
Herr-Berbunch Kaiser Bill's batman Join Date: May 2010 Location: AN72 Posts: 13,203 Downloads: 76 Uploads: 0	Book wanted Sorry, not naval. Can anyone recommend a good book about the Spanish Civil War? Please don't just Google some, I'd like personal recommendations. Quite a few things I've read in the last couple of years have referenced, or been partially involving with the conflict with the International Brigade and the Condor Legion amongst others. Now I'd like to read a book specifically on the subject with little or no deviation elsewhere. Musts are: factual, interesting, anecdotal/humerous (where possible). Oh, and in English! I await your replies, and thanks in advance, HB __________________

08-30-11, 10:52 AM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	I can deliver something tomorrow, __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-30-11, 11:51 AM	#3
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I've read this one in my local library reference section....mainly first-hand accounts and very informative IMHO. Here is a link with the opportunity to 'look inside' the book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heroic-Voice...4722670&sr=1-6#_ Of course, if you did decide to purchase the book you could use the SS link to Amazon.co.uk __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

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08-30-11, 12:49 PM	#4
Randomizer Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	I have read The Spanish Civil War by Hugh Thomas, for a long time perhaps the most complete English language single volume. I have an older edition written when Franco still rules (he apparently had it banned in Spain although he allowed Prof Thomas access to government archives). It's now in its fourth edition and has been updated with new info several times since it was first published. Anthony Beevor's The Battle for Spain is on my to buy list, I have a number of his books and am generally pleased with the quality and extent of his research and soundness of his conclusions but have not yet read the book. Lots of new scholarship out there as the Civil War generation passes away but as you note, much is memoirs or popular subject exclusive. I'd probably go with the latest edition of Thomas.

08-30-11, 04:16 PM	#5
Penguin Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Rheinische Republik Posts: 3,322 Downloads: 92 Uploads: 0	You may have already read it, but I can recommend one by my favourite author: Homage to Catalonia, by George Orwell. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by deviation, it certainly is subjective, as he fought for the Republicans and it is written from his POV, so this goes more among Jim's book. Although subjective it sticks to the facts and covers also the ugly experiences he had with the inner-republican fighting. It definitely lead to an overhaul of his political views and led to the writing of Animal Farm. Oh, and I would definitely check out Randomizer's Beevor recommendation. I haven't read his book about Spain, but if it is like his Stalingrad book it is worth a peek. In this book, Beevor tried to cover both sides, which he managed quite well, so this could be the book if you are looking for a more objective general overview about all sides.

08-30-11, 09:00 PM	#6
Randomizer Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Homage to Catalonia is riveting but is (in my opinion) tainted as a narrative with Orwell's deep cynicism and disillusionment with Republican infighting. Although based on a diary he kept in theatre, it was written after the civil war when his contempt for the political Left was almost equal to his hatred of all things fascist. An immensely valuable insight into an Englishman's experience with one of the International Brigades but very narrow in scope and extremely biased. Worth reading as a source but not as the source.