If the First World War is notable for trench warfare and the first use of tanks in the combat zone, then the Second World War is likely remembered for the first widespread use of the bombing of civilian targets. What many don't know, however, is that the Germans practiced and perfected their use of aerial bombardment of the civilian population during the Spanish Civil War, when the fascist governments in Italy and Germany provided help to Franco's rebels in overthrowing the government. Picasso painted a giant mural immortalising the event but it is true to say that even within Spain (at least in the south), there are many who are unaware of the horrific ...  Read the complete review

"Don't judge a book by its cover". So the old saying goes. And, as old sayings go, it has quite a lot of relevance to Guernica. I'd seen the book around lots (it regularly crops up on the shelves of charity shops). However, thanks to the dull, uninspiring cover (mine is different from the one shown in the Dooyoo image) and my total lack of interest in (and ignorance of) Spanish history, it just didn't appeal to me. Eventually, someone leant me a copy with a strong recommendation that I should read it. I was pleased to discover that what lies between the cover is far better than the cover itself. Guernica is an ambitious tale following the lives and ...  Read the complete review

The front cover of Guernica has a by-line that reads "An epic story of love, family and war" and the author Dave Boling shows a short span of history of exactly this. Firstly, a bit about Guernica. Guernica is a Basque town in Spain. Basque people are usually found in coastal areas and are definitely in the minority with their own traditions and language but generally do not like being referred to as Spanish! Most people would (if they have at all) have heard of Guernica for the following reasons; it was bombed to destruction during the Spanish civil unrest on the eve of World War II. An unknown number of lives were lost, and Pablo ...  Read the complete review

A long time ago, I worked in London with a man named Pedro. Tall and muscular, Pedro boasted bristling eyebrows over jutting features. He was from Spain but hated being called Spanish. "I am NOT Espanish", he would growl: "I am a BASQUE!" This book's central character reminds me of him. * The Basque lands The Basque country (Euzkadi) stretches across the mountainous region to the North of Spain and into France. Although divided by the French-Spanish border, the Basque region considers itself a distinct nation and has its own language. As shown by my pal Pedro, Basques are fiercely proud of their country and its heritage. ...  Read the complete review