Description:
A TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
From the preeminent historian of 20th century Spain Paul Preston, Architects of Terror is a new history of how paranoia, conspiracy and anti-Semitism was used to justify the military coup of 1936 and enabled the construction of a dictatorship built on violence and persecution.
Review Quotes:
A TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
'Deeply researched and revealing . . . Preston's study is based on both profound knowledge and shrewd human understanding' Daily Telegraph, five-star review
'Preston's great skill lies in carefully dissecting these vile characters...This book reveals Preston at the peak of his powers; he's an enormous intellect and a great storyteller' The Times, Gerald DeGroot
Praise for A People Betrayed (2020)
A Financial Times Best History Book of 2020
'For decades, Paul Preston has been one of the English-speaking world's premier historians of modern Spain. His latest book, dealing with the controversial topic of corruption in Spanish politic, public administration and business, is particularly good on the Franco dictatorship and post-Franco democratic era'
Financial Times
'Fascinating ... The depth of the book's research cannot be faulted and the examples of grand malfeasance and political corruption are extraordinary ... Buried in the narrative lies ample treasure ... I applauded Preston's heroic feat.' Times
'Tremendously rich and learned ... Preston is one of Britain's finest historians ... This book, massively researched ... Powerful, persuasive and utterly fascinating - makes for harrowing reading'
Sunday Times
'A magisterial study of [Spain's] turbulent past, seen through the optic of those apparently ineradicable twins: corruption and political incompetence ... Races along in a riveting fashion, replete with eye-catching and often blackly humorous anecdotes ...Preston's narrative combines his gift for cogent, summarising clarity and for telling details ...Preston has written an admirable book - a lively, comprehensive history of modern Spain.'
Guardian