I am also amazed at how little reviewed (and read?-I hope not!) this book has been. As a Spaniard with close knowledge of the events, I can say Jackson has done the best job to date of tracing the political and social developments that led to the conflict, and of describing the uprising itself and the conduct of the military and propaganda operations. Infinitely better than Hugh Thomas' and every other account. By the way, if you'd rather read a first-hand narrative, Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia" is much better than Hemingway's.

I am astounded that no one has yet reviewed this book. Originally published in 1965, it remains the classic center-left interpretation of the Republic and Civil War. It is balanced, well researched and comprehensive. For those looking for a more conservative treatment of this period, see Stanley Payne's "Spain's First Democracy."

I found Civilization and Barbarity to be an enormously stimulating book. Jackson writes with a rare sense of balance, never falling into cliche or onesided judgments. One senses that every word and phrase is deeply considered and arrived at through profound and long thought and experience. Not without reason is Jackson the author, among other studies, of the classic monograph, The Spanish Republic and Civil War: 1931-1939, published by Princeton University Press in 1965.

This is a New York Times book. The book has taken a collection of stories of different types to paint a picture of the Spanish
Civil War. These stories reflect the internationalization of the war with Germany and Italy's active commitment.
I learned some things from this book that are missing in other books on this war. First, Nazi Germany's Naval blockade of the Spanish coast, while actively helping Franco and the rebels. Also the Loyalists targeting of Nazi naval units, plus their barbarism against conservatives and clericals. Many contemporary books portray the Rebels as the villians, but perhaps both sides can share this label to an equal extent. Since these are stories that appear in the newspapers, some of the facts are wrong and this is why I gave it three stars.