The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Spain is an unrivalled reference guide to Spanish history and politics from the Middle Ages to the present. With its chronology, introductory essay, and over seven hundred dictionary entries on major Spanish organizations, including political parties, trade unions, and state bodies; the various regions and languages which comprise Spain, including Catalonia and the Basque Country; and major figures in Spanish culture and the arts, the Historical Dictionary of Spain allows readers to easily follow the major changes Spain has undergone.

The tragedy that devastated Spain for 33 months from July 1936 to April 1939, was, first and foremost, a brutal fratricidal conflict, the product of the fatal clash between diametrically opposed views of Spain and an attempt to settle crucial issues which had divided Spaniards for generations: agrarian reform, recognition of the identity of the historical regions (Catalonia, the Basque Country), and the roles of the Catholic Church and the armed forces in a modern state. Being a war between Spaniards, it was particularly brutal, but it was also part of the broader move toward war in Europe and thus sucked in many "volunteers" from abroad. And it left a deep imprint since General Francisco Franco remained at the helm of the country until his death in 1975. The Historical Dictionary of the Spanish Civil war covers the history of the war, first through a long chronology, which highlights the major steps from the incubation to the conclusion. The overall situation is summed up in the introduction. Then the dictionary section fleshes it out, with over 600 entries on persons, places, events, institutions, battles, and campaigns. More reading can be found in an extensive bibliography. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Spanish Civil War.

This new reference work on Spain could serve as a model for other historical dictionaries. Among its winning features are the fact that it treats a topic on which there has not been a single general reference work in this century and that it has an experienced editor who is a noted scholar in his own right, a first-rate cast of international contributors, a judicious choice of entries, a consistent style, a superior bibliography and a good index. Reference Books Bulletin Historians face a number of challenges in interpreting the complexities of modern Spanish history. With few authoritative works available in the field, the Historical Dictionary of Modern Spain, 1700-1988 fills the need for a comprehensive reference and summarizes the work of a new generation of Spanish research. It is unique in its wealth of detail from the eighteenth century to the late twentieth and in offering, on some topics, the only thorough discussion available in English. Kern has included six major areas of Spanish history in this volume: political, governmental, diplomatic, institutional, cultural, social, and military. Several maps, illustrations and tables enhance the entries prepared by some seventy scholars from the United States, Canada, Britain, Spain, and Latin America. From the War of Spanish Succession to the role of Juan Carlos, the Dictionary features the latest historiographic interpretations and data. The alphabetical listings are cross-referenced to related topics and a timeline is provided to establish basic chronology. The bibliography includes the more important works on the period since 1700.

Historical Dictionary of Spanish Cinema covers Spanish cinema, its treasures its constant attempts to break through internationally, reaching out towards universal themes and conventions, and the specific obstacles and opportunities that have shaped the careers of filmmakers and stars. This book contains a chronology, an introduction, an appendix and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on titles, movements, filmmakers and performers, and genres (such as homosexuality, nuevo cine español or horror). This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Spanish cinema.

"A valuable contribution to the literature on the Spanish civil war. . . . Eminently suitable for academic and large public libraries." Reference Books Bulletin

"This authoritative reference book looks at the process by which Spain extended its influence throughout the modern world. It provides more than 1,200 brief descriptive essays covering colonies, individuals, political institutions, legislation, treaties, conferences, wars, revolutions, technologies, social and religious groups, and military battles. References at the end of each entry provide sources of additional information for those wishing to pursue the subject further. Cross-references within the text, designated by an asterisk, will help the reader to find related items." -- Publisher.

Emerging as one of the most exciting, fascinating, and special kinds of filmmaking in the world, Spanish cinema has been producing excellent directors, actors, and films for decades, including during the dark times of the Franco regime. With directors (Pedro Almodovar), actors and actresses (Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz), and films (Abre los ojos and Alatriste) amassing popularity, the outlook for Spanish cinema appears brighter than ever, and it is deservedly winning numerous fans abroad. --