Spain Books

This is an excellently written book about the role the Spanish Civil War in general and the Spanienkampfer (German veterans of the war) in particular played in promoting and maintaining the mythology and raison d'etre of the GDR as a bulwark against fascism, imperialism and capitalism. The reality of the International Brigades was that they were ideologues fighting in an ideological conflict; messy realities that did not jibe with the ideology were suppressed in official histories of the War, just as all nonconformities that deviated from the SED's socialist ideal were intimidated and harrassed out of existence. Nevertheless, by and large these mythologies about sacrificing Communist heroes were used right up to the Wende as support for an increasingly brittle regime. It was a testament to the abject failure of the GDR that they needed to use old men from a lost war 50 years past as models for The New Socialist Man. A must read for cold war fans. The length of the book was just right also.

Well written account of Flamenco and Spanish dance in the early half of this century. Triana an obviously very talented individual caught up in the throes of the other inspired artists of the time. Extremely interesting, however polished storyline.

The Apalachee Indians and Mission San Luis is one of the most physically attractive books ever produced by an academic press. Its hundreds of photographs, drawings, and panoramic paintings bring to life a long buried Indian town and Spanish colonial regional capital. The authors help establish the importance of the overlooked yet once great chiefdoms of the Southeast and of the abortive but still influential efforts of the Spanish to make those chiefdoms part of their empire. At the same time, the authors vividly reconstruct the daily life of the Indians and Europeans who lived and died at San Luis. Hann and McEwan show commendable sensitivity to the native Apalachee inhabitants in the process. This is a book that can satisfy readers of history, Native American studies, or archeology at several levels.

What is unique about this book is that the author went to Garabandal while the apparitions were in progress, and was thus an eyewitness to many of the extraordinary ecstasies of the four visionaries. He also spent time with the visionaries when they were not in ecstasy, and interviewed them extensively, particularly Conchita. The first edition, in Spanish, was published in Spain in August of 1965; the last apparition did not take place until November 13, 1965. Thus, this book is written by an eyewitness with his experiences at, and facts about Garabandal, fresh in his mind, at a time when they were easily verifiable. Essential reading!

Joining others in the 'Reference Guides to National Architecture' series is an important survey of Spanish architectural heritage, ARCHITECTURE OF SPAIN. It covers all regions of Spain, examines almost seventy of the country's key landmarks, and includes history as well as appraisal of style, architectures, renovation efforts, and cultural insights. Recommended for either students of art, Spanish history, or would-be travelers to Spain holding a special interest in architectural heritage.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book was written and compiled by a leading and distinguished authority on naval history. It would, therefore, be easy to sit back and say any book from him must be worthy of 5 stars - but it is the content which interests me and the way in which it is presented to the reader.

The defeat of the Armada in 1588 was the greatest naval battle of Tudor times. The way in which the Spanish fleet were routed off the south coast of England and then left at the mercy of the winds, meant that instead of the relatively short trip back to Spain, the surviving ships had to endure a journey which included the circumnavigation of the entire British Isles. Consequently, ships were wrecked off Scotland and Ireland.

This book tells the complete story from beginning to end. It is readable and clearly well researched. The author has included sufficient historic documents, photos of cannon, letters and items recovered from Armada wrecks to perfectly support the text without overwhelming it. A small number of graphics depicting, for example, the difference in size between Spanish and British ships are also included.

I do believe this work will stand the test of time and become recognised as an authoritative and scholarly work. For many people this will be the only book about the Armada they will ever require.

NM

After visiting Spain this spring, I read this book. It is a wonderful representation of the country and its people. The pictures are outstanding. Anyone considering a trip to Spain or just wants to remember the country should read this book. It took me right back to Spain!!

Arquitectura del Vacio is an extensive selection of the architectural works designed by Melvin Villarroel. The 239-page book presents twenty-seven of Mr. Villarroel's finest works understood through a wide array of pictures, photographs, drawings, renderings and sketchs, and easily communicated in Spanish and English. This book encapsulates twenty-five years of experience -- no other architectural "best works" comes close to its breadth, depth and lasting impact. Every page exhibits the natural elements that exist in perfect harmony with his designs. The descriptions of the golf resorts, luxury hotel resorts and harbor resorts are clear, thoughtful and marked by a strong philosophy that is unshakable and visionary. The book is every bit as ambitious as it is a great value. Mr. Villarroel's book is truly inspired, and I recommend it to any reader looking to understand sustainable architecture in all of its glory.

The cover image (La Virgen de la Soledad) and the Macarena Madonna inside alone are worth the price of the book, but it's a fascinating account of a vibrant "performance art" (street processions). See also The Madonnas of Europe and, for another kind of devotional outreach, Gardens of Revelation.

David Spain's new book, Art Deco Noritake & More, is filled to the brim with stunning photographs that bring to life more of the work of the artisans of Noritake...to savor slowly and deliciously. WOW!

In addition, to my delight, Spain has written a fascinating history of Noritake, highlighted with rare, early 20th century photographs..most never before published. I loved seeing the founders, the artists, the workers and their workplaces, the people of Noritake who created the magnificent porcelain fancyware and dinnerware avidly sought by today's collectors.

Spain's easy to master, revolutionary system for numbering Noritake backstamps is still a gem. Best of all, he's added more backstamps to the collection and has included documentation for some previously only thought to have been used by the Noritake Company.

New or old to Noritake collecting, or just looking for a gorgeous coffee table book or a special gift, you'll love this one.