A People's History of Catalonia

On October 1, 2017, Spanish police assaulted Catalans voting in a peaceful referendum, highlighting Catalonia's struggle for independence. A People's History of Catalonia explores the country's history, including violent resistance and suppression of its language and rights. Since the nineteenth century, the fight for national sovereignty has intertwined with working-class mobilisation for social justice, with Barcelona known as the Rose of Fire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

On October 1, 2017, a violent assault by Spanish police on Catalans participating in a peaceful referendum thrust Catalonia's struggle for independence into the global spotlight. To this day, those two million-plus voters have not forgiven nor forgotten the injustice they faced. The struggle for independence continues to be a defining feature of Catalonia's national identity.

Catalonia's national consciousness has a rich and complex history. A People's History of Catalonia delves into the history of this small country, offering a comprehensive perspective from the grassroots. Throughout centuries, Catalonia's quest for freedom has faced violent suppression, and its language and rights have been marginalized. Since the nineteenth century, the fight for national sovereignty has often been intertwined with the struggle for social justice among the working class. Barcelona, known as the "Rose of Fire," became a symbol of resistance and upheaval. In 1936, Catalonia witnessed one of history's most profound workers' revolutions. The author weaves a compelling narrative that spans from the peasant revolts of the 15th century to the siege of Barcelona in 1714, the explosive workers movement led by anarchists, the devastating defeat in the Spanish Civil War, and the resilience in the face of anti-Franco resistance during the challenging years that followed. The story's conclusion remains unwritten, leaving room for future chapters to unfold.

Weight: 1g
Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745342139