Spain under Franco. Not Unified, Not Great, Not Free

Nothing influenced 20th century Spain as much as Franco's dictatorship. Even half a century after the death of the Caudillo, the echoes of his political decisions are still heard in modern Spain. Nicolás Cessma offers a new perspective on the history of this period, which now centers not only on General Francisco Franco and the era of the Civil War, but also on the post-war period and the 1970s, economic development, anti-Francoist opposition, the black market, and consumer culture. All of this is accompanied by cultural references—from literature and film to graphic novels and pop art—that complement the captivating narrative. Thus, we are presented with an interpretation of Franco's dictatorship through the lens of the 21st century, reminding us that during these forty years, Spain was neither unified, nor great, nor free.