Homage to Catalonia


Book Description

Step into the heart of revolutionary Spain with George Orwell's powerful account, Homage to Catalonia. In this poignant narrative, Orwell recounts his firsthand experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War, offering a vivid and deeply personal perspective on the political and social upheaval of the time. Orwell’s writing brings to life the intense struggles, challenges, and betrayals he witnessed as he joined the militia in Catalonia. With sharp clarity, he paints a stark picture of the ideological divides that tore the country apart, and the complexities of war that blurred the lines between friend and foe.But here's the twist that will captivate you: What does Orwell’s experience reveal about the nature of truth, power, and the human spirit during times of war? Can we learn from the past to avoid repeating its mistakes? This extraordinary memoir offers a rare look into the realities of war, filled with unflinching honesty and a deep sense of humanism. Through Orwell’s eyes, the reader gains an intimate understanding of the personal costs of conflict and the difficult choices soldiers had to make. Are you ready to witness the raw, unfiltered truths of war as seen through the eyes of one of history's most influential writers?Dare to immerse yourself in the brutal honesty of Homage to Catalonia and experience a unique chapter of history that continues to resonate today. Purchase it now, and begin your journey through Orwell’s compelling narrative of war, ideology, and survival.




The Struggle for Catalonia


Book Description

Analyses with rare impartiality what sets the Catalans apart from Spain, and how the separatist debate is playing out.




The Spirit of Catalonia


Book Description




History of Catalonia


Book Description

This is an ideal introduction to the whole history of Catalonia from the remotest times until the present. It is a rigorous and accessible vision aimed at everyone, which can be read quickly and easily. The book brings the Catalan past to all Catalans and to foreigners who, when they visit Catalonia, want a general understanding of what this country has been over its thousands of years of existence. This short history seeks to set out the formation of a nation with its own state, which played a key role in Europe for centuries. It also explains how this state was attacked for two centuries until its destruction on 11 September 1714 and the subsequent struggle by Catalans to be reborn from their ashes and recover their place in history.




The Book of Sent Soví


Book Description

The Book of Sent Soví, composed around the middle of the fourteenth century, is the oldest surviving culinary text in Catalan. It is anonymous and, like the majority of medieval cookery books, is the product of a complex process of transmission, with multiple manuscript copies and readers who have left their mark on it. The contents are eminently practical. Successive cooks have recorded their own methods of preparing the dishes and recipes included, blending several culinary traditions in a single work. Sent Soví is also a reliable source of information on the cookery of the territories of the Crown of Aragon before the revolution caused by the arrival of products from the Americas. This edition includes both an English translation, by Robin Vogelzang, and the original Catalan version. It has been the editor's aim to clarify the difficult passages in the book - sometimes corrupted because of the complex manuscript tradition - so that it can be understood as easily as possible by its twenty-first-century readers. JOAN SANTANACH lectures on medieval literature at the University of Barcelona. Published in association with Editorial Barcino.




Catalonia


Book Description

‘A truly beautiful book, written by my favourite Spanish man. These pages are packed with joyful rays of inspiration and utter deliciousness.’ – Jamie Oliver Located in the northeast of Spain, Catalonia borders France’s Pyrenees mountains and has a heritage and scenery like no other place in the world. In Catalonia, José Pizarro travels from the impressive Gaudi architecture in buzzy Barcelona, to the Roman and Greek ruins in Girona and secluded beaches in Costa Brava to create some of the best-loved dishes from the Catalonian region at home. Starting in the markets, José revels in the fresh meat, fish and vegetables, with dishes including classic Patatas Bravas, a delicious Duck Egg and Mushroom Stew, and a Rabbit Rice, typical of the region. From a Roast Chicken with Langoustines, Baby Squid with Mint that’s perfect for spring, to a wintery Civet of Venison with Ceps and Mash, and the delicate Hazelnut and Plum cakes, José’s interpretation of the regional flavours will inspire you to get into the kitchen. Set to the backdrop of stunning location photography, Catalonia will make you feel truly transported to this special region.




Barcelona, the Left and the Independence Movement in Catalonia


Book Description

Created by social movement activists and left-wing parties during years of austerity, Barcelona en Comú, or the Comuns (as they are known in Catalan), won control of the city council of Barcelona in May 2015. The ensuing municipal government gave the city its first ever female mayor in the form of former housing rights campaigner Ada Colau. The Comuns' administration proceeded to undertake ambitious initiatives, attempting to regenerate democracy by changing the relationship between municipal authority and citizen, addressing social inequality issues and seeking to curb the hitherto unbridled tourist expansion in the name of improving the environment for those who live in the Catalan capital. This book examines the extent to which the political project of the Comuns has brought radical change in Barcelona, where it has faced opposition from revolutionary anti-capitalists, traditional Catalan nationalists and independentistas, as well as conservative political and economic forces. It also considers the Comuns' relationship to Podemos and their prospects of growing beyond the city, in the metropolitan area of Barcelona and across Catalonia.




Catalonia - A Cultural History


Book Description

Squeezed between more powerful France and Spain, Catalonia has endured a violent history. Its medieval empire that conquered Naples, Sicily and Athens was crushed by Spain. Its geography, with the Pyrenees falling sharply to the rugged Costa Brava, is tormented, too. Michael Eaude traces this history and its monuments: Roman Tarragona, celebrated by the poet Martial; Greek Empuries, lost for centuries beneath the sands; medieval Romanesque architecture in the Vall de Boi churches (a World Heritage Site) and Poblet and Santes Creus monasteries. He tells the stories of several of Catalonia's great figures: Abbot Oliva, who brought Moorish learning to Europe, the ruthless mercenary, Roger de Flor, and Verdaguer, handsome poet-priest. Catalonia is famous today for its twentieth-century art. This book focuses on the revolutionary Art Nouveau buildings (including the Sagrada Familia) of Antoni Gaudi. It also explores the region's artistic legacy: the young Picasso painting Barcelona’s vibrant slums; Salvador Dali, inspired by the twisted rocks of Cap de Creus to paint his landscapes of the human mind; and Joan Miro, discovering the colours of the red earth at Montroig.




What's Up with Catalonia?


Book Description

"35 experts explain the causes which impel them to the separation through essays on Catalan history, economics, politics, language, and culture"--Cover.




DK Eyewitness Barcelona and Catalonia


Book Description

Sun-worshipper, city goer or outdoor enthusiast? No matter your tribe, this is the perfect region for you. Whether you want to enjoy Costa Brava's laidback lifestyle, marvel the truly iconic Sagrada Familia or hike the undulating landscape of long-extinct volcanoes, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Barecelona and Catalonia have to offer. From gothic churches and centuries-old taverns to dizzying skyscrapers and ritzy cocktail bars, Catalonia is a constant contradiction. The natural landscape is just as varied: soaring mountain ranges preside over pristine wilderness and vineyard-cloaked hills taper into a seemingly endless stretch of coastline. Our newly updated guide brings Barcelona and Catalonia to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed information on all the must-see sights, inspiring photography and our trademark illustrations. You'll discover: - our pick of the must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems - the best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay - detailed maps and walks which make navigating the region easy - easy-to-follow itineraries - expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe - color-coded chapters to every part of Barcelona and Catalonia, from Old town to beyond the centre, Eixample to Montjuïc Want the best of Barcelona in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona.