Fought between 1936 and 1939, the Spanish Civil War continues to fascinate, horrify and intrigue people from across the world; consequently, the - already large - range of historiography is growing every year. The following texts, which are all devoted to some aspect of the civil war, comprise my selection of the best.
Not only is this the best introductory text on the civil war, but it's also an enlightening read for anyone already versed in the subject. Preston's clear and precise text is a perfect backdrop for his marvelous selection of quotes and pithy style, a combination that has - quite rightly - received widespread praise. Aim for the revised edition, first published in 1996.
Beevor's concise and detailed account of the Spanish civil war presents the complex mix of events in a clear manner, using a smooth and readable narrative with an excellent appraisal of both the broader situations and the difficulties faced by individual soldiers. Add to that a fairly cheap price and you have a praiseworthy text! Get the expanded version, first published in 2001.
While many accounts of the civil war concentrate on bloodshed, this text outlines the preceding events. Newly republished in an updated form, Preston discusses the changes, decline and possible collapse of political and social institutions, including that of democracy. This book is certainly essential reading for anyone studying the civil war, but it is also fascinating in its own right.
A biography of Francisco Franco - the man who led certain forces to victory in Spain's civil war before ruling until his death in 1975 - this masterful book uses a combination of new sources, older texts and the author's own deep insights to create a compelling biography. Preston's style is, as ever, highly enjoyable.
If you want real depth - and you like reading - ignore the other books in this list and get Thomas' mammoth history of the Spanish Civil War. Numbering over a thousand pages, this weighty tome contains a reliable, accurate and impartial account that examines the full range of nuances with deft and style. Unfortunately, it will be simply too large for many readers.
Instead of focusing on the conflict in Spain, this text examines the surrounding events, including the reactions - and (in)actions - of other countries. Alpert's book is a well-written and convincing piece of historiography which would augment most studies of the Civil War; it's also essential for anyone studying international politics in the twentieth century.
This is the fourth of Preston's books to appear in this list, and it's the most intriguing. In nine biographical 'portraits' (essays) the author examines nine key figures from the Spanish civil war, starting with those on the political right and moving over to the left. The approach is fascinating, the material excellent, the conclusions enlightening, and the book wholly recommended.
Part of Longman's 'Seminar Studies' series, this book offers a compact introduction to the Spanish Civil War, covering such topics as international aid, 'terror' tactics and the conflict's legacy. Browne has also included a subject bibliography and sixteen annotated documents for study and discussion.
9. The Spanish Civil War by Patricia Knight
If pick eight is still too large, try this very concise introduction by Patricia Knight; it only fills 128 pages. Despite that, the author enhances the basic discusses with comparisons between Spain and later fascist regimes in Europe, as well as providing a small amount of source material and bibliographic information.This text is probably the classic work on the Spanish civil war, and unlike other historical 'classics', the work is still very valid. Carr's style is good, his conclusions thought provoking and his academic rigour excellent. Although the title may suggest otherwise, this isn't an attack on the civil war in the same manner as some works on World War 1, but an incisive and important account.
