This book is essential reading for whoever wants to understand Spain today and its protagonists, both individual and collective. In the best British tradition, recent politics here becomes history.' - TLS

The breakdown of democracy in Spain in the 1930s resulted in a torrent of political and military violence. In this revised edition, Paul Preston provides a disturbing explanation of the democratic collapse, outlining the social and economic background. Since the first edition of this book was completed over 15 years ago, the archives have been opened up. The diaries, letters and memoirs of major protagonists have been published and there have been innumerable studies of the politics of the Republic, of parties, unions, elections and social conflict, national and provincial. This edition...