"Javier Tusell, Spain's leading historian of twentieth-century issues, has given us a brilliant account of that country's contemporary history. By far the best single volume to read."
Stanley Payne, University of Wisconsin–Madison
"An important new study. With Spain more polarised in the wake of the bombings of 11 March 2004 than at any time since the Civil War, it will be required reading for all those interested in the history and politics of the Iberian Peninsula."
Charles Esdaile, University of Liverpool
From the Inside Flap
The end of the Spanish Civil War marked a critical fracture in the modernization of Spain. When the last Republicans surrendered in early 1939, General Franco assumed dictatorial control. This book charts Spain’s development under Franco and its subsequent transition to democracy up to the present day. Completed by Javier Tusell just weeks before his untimely death, it is the final work by Spain’s most distinguished contemporary historian. Spain: From Dictatorship to Democracy provides full coverage of the country’s political, social, and economic transformation. It also traces developments in popular culture and the arts. Beginning with an introductory overview of Franco and Francoism, the book is organized chronologically, detailing each period’s most significant developments. Javier Tusell addresses such issues as Spain’s relations with the protectorate of Morocco, fascism and isolationism, the reaffirmation of regional identity and the rise of the popular media. He also provides a context for understanding the continuing tensions between democracy and terrorism, including the effects of the 2004 Madrid Bombings.
A thorough introduction to post-Civil War Spain, this book is essential reading for all those interested in Franco and the legacy of his repressive regime.
From the Back Cover
The end of the Spanish Civil War marked a critical fracture in the modernization of Spain. When the last Republicans surrendered in early 1939, General Franco assumed dictatorial control. This book charts Spain’s development under Franco and its subsequent transition to democracy up to the present day. Completed by Javier Tusell just weeks before his untimely death, it is the final work by Spain’s most distinguished contemporary historian. Spain: From Dictatorship to Democracy provides full coverage of the country’s political, social, and economic transformation. It also traces developments in popular culture and the arts. Beginning with an introductory overview of Franco and Francoism, the book is organized chronologically, detailing each period’s most significant developments. Javier Tusell addresses such issues as Spain’s relations with the protectorate of Morocco, fascism and isolationism, the reaffirmation of regional identity and the rise of the popular media. He also provides a context for understanding the continuing tensions between democracy and terrorism, including the effects of the 2004 Madrid Bombings.
A thorough introduction to post-Civil War Spain, this book is essential reading for all those interested in Franco and the legacy of his repressive regime.
About the Author
Javier Tusell was Professor of Contemporary History at the National University of Distance Learning (UNED). Best known as a historian of contemporary Spain, he published more than 50 books on the subject in his lifetime. During an early foray into politics, he negotiated the return to Spain of Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece, Guernica, and was elected UCD councillor for Madrid in 1979. Latterly he became a respected media commentator on Spanish history and especially the Franco dictatorship.
Translator
Rosemary Clark, college lecturer at Downing College, is an affiliated lecturer in Spanish at the University of Cambridge specializing in Modern Peninsular Spanish literature, history, and culture. Particular interests are post-colonialism, Spain and Africa, religious issues, and regionalism.
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