The Spanish Civil War (1936-9) inspired an extraordinary range of cultural production, from literature, theatre, cinema, journalism and radio to visual art, song, dance, memoir and comics. This book – the first comprehensive study of the war’s cultural output – considers works by both Spanish and foreign supporters of the Republic and Franco’s forces, with particular attention paid to women’s contributions, to reveal a conflict more complex than conventional narratives suggest. The book highlights how culture became a weapon in the fight against fascism while reflecting the passions, anxieties and ideals of the era and since. By combining well-known and lesser-known works across all media, it offers a nuanced and accessible portrait of a global struggle that continues to shape our understanding of political and cultural engagement. ‘This book is a tour de force: based on exhaustive, rigorous research, it is a highly readable, ambitious, and thought-provoking cultural history of the Spanish war, including its lead-up, international dimensions, and long-term consequences in both Spain and elsewhere.’ – Sebastiaan Faber, professor of Hispanic studies at Oberlin College and author of Memory Battles of the Spanish Civil War
