Now available in English for the first time, Gunpowder and Incense (translated from the Spanish La Polvora y el Incienso) chronicles the role of the Church in Spanish politics, looking in particular at the Spanish Civil War.

Unlike most books on the subject, Hilari Raguer looks beyond the traditional explanation that the war was primarily a religious struggle. His writing presents an exemplary "insider's" perspective, and is notable for its balance and perception on the role of the Catholic Church before, during and after the War.

The...