Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The Spanish civil war was one of the twentieth century's most complex and bitter conflicts. What were its causes? And why do the stakes in that long-ago war seem just as relevant today in Britain, continental Europe and across the world? This Very Short Introduction explains the origins of the conflict and shows how it rapidly became a complex international war. By using personal stories, the book provides a powerfully human account of the war and its long continuation under Franco's dictatorship. It offers an ethical reflection on the war's resonances today and its legacy for the twenty-first century. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.