Customer Reviews
Concise and well written - By: Di, 02 Feb 2008 
While this may not be the most complete book about the Spanish Civil War, it is a pleasantly well written & concise account of the conflict.
It provides a good overview of the civil war years, without the pain of going through dates, battles & all the detail that you may find on other history books. It does have a good index of references at the end though.Paul Preston's prose has such a good rithm that it feels almost like reading a novel.
A good recomendation for those that wish some general knowledge about the war. If you want something more detailed (with pictures, front evolution maps etc) you will need to go for a bigger volume.
Slanted, doctored and biased - By: Perry Frederick Hadley, 03 Sep 2007 
Totally & utterly biased. The Nationalists can do no right, while the Republic can do no wrong. This book should be treated with great caution even by those who have a wealth of knowledge about the Spanish Civil War & should be completely ignored by those without any previous knowledge of it & looking for an introduction to the subject. Written by someone claiming to be an historian - he should be ashamed of himself.
Fine work - By: M. P. Crowther, 02 May 2007 This book was essentially re-edited owing to the 70th anniversary of the war that started last year & will endin 2009. Preston's work on the subject is exemplary to begin with & this particular book is no exception.
Admittedly, I brought it to help with study & read it to help with revision some months later. However, Preston's book is interesting & informative on the matter. It might not be as long as others on the war but it is nonetheless a fine work. It is a perfect book for those who know little or nothing on the war & should not be overlooked when considering the war.
