Abstract

Spain: Preludes to Civil War

The article presents information on two books related to civil war in Spain. "The Politics of Modern Spain," by Frank Manuel and "The Martyrdom of Spain," by Alfred Mendizabal. Manuel's book is competent and obviously intended to be well balanced. That his sympathies are with the aims of the republic, rather than with the generals who revolted against it, means merely that his viewpoint is, for want of a belier word, liberal. This does not prevent him from severely criticizing what he considers weakness or stupidity, or both, on the part of the men who were in control of opinion or of policies. Meridizabal in his book writes as a Catholic whose testimony Catholics in this country cannot afford to disregard. Eyewitness to some of the events he describes, participant in others, he may be argued with, but he cannot be ignored. In view of his recognized position in church circles, it is not possible to dismiss him as "not really a Catholic."