This is a much-needed new overview of Spanish social and political history which sets developments in twentieth-century Spain within a broader European context. Julián Casanova, one of Spain's leading historians, and Carlos Gil Andrés chart the country's experience of democracy, dictatorship and civil war and its dramatic transformation from an agricultural and rural society to an industrial and urban society fully integrated into Europe. They address key questions and issues that continue to be discussed and debated in contemporary historiography, such as why the Republic was defeated, why Franco's dictatorship lasted so long and what mark it has left on contemporary Spain. This is an essential book for students as well as for anyone interested in Spain's turbulent twentieth century.

‘Lively, readable and comprehensive, a welcome addition to the literature in English on twentieth-century Spain.’

Helen Graham - Royal Holloway, University of London

‘This is, without doubt, one of the most perceptive and illuminating histories of twentieth-century Spain available. In recent years, historical scholarship in Spain has been transformed and Julián Casanova and Carlos Gil Andrés have been at the forefront of the process. Drawing on their own cutting-edge research, they present an original interpretation of a deeply conflictive national experience.’

Paul Preston - London School of Economics and Political Science

‘Of the few integral histories of Spain’s twentieth century which have appeared since 2000, none has so skilfully blended political and social approaches. Julián Casanova and Carlos Gil Andrés meet the challenge admirably, incorporating the most recent research in a highly accessible way and producing an account which is at once authoritative and detailed.’

Michael Richards - University of the West of England

'The book is a masterful synthesis of recent research, offering a readable and myth-busting account of Spain’s turbulent experience of Europe’s ‘dark’ century.'

Carl-Henrik Bjerstrom Source: Journal of Contemporary History