Anarchy's Brief Summer: The Life and Death of Buenaventura Durruti

During the 20th century, anarchism had a significant impact on politics in Northern Spain, particularly during the Spanish Civil War. "Anarchys Brief Summer" by Robert Enzenberger explores the life and times of Buenaventura Durruti, a charismatic leader who played a significant role in the war. The book is based on a compilation of texts, including personal testimony, interviews, and academic assessments, and offers a unique portrait of a revolutionary movement that is largely unknown outside of Spain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2018
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Northern Spain stands as a unique region in Western Europe, where anarchism played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the twentieth century. This ideology garnered widespread support among both the urban and rural working classes, reaching its zenith during a brief yet pivotal period known as the "brief summer." This era encompassed the civil war between the Republic and General Francos Falangists, during which anarchists even took part in the governance of Catalonia.

Anarchys Brief Summer, a captivating book, brings anarchism to life by delving into the captivating story of Buenaventura Durruti (1896–1936). Durruti emerged as a pivotal figure in the Spanish Civil War, following a life marked by militancy and audacity. At the core of the book lies a compilation of diverse texts, including personal testimonies, interviews with survivors, contemporary documents, memoirs, and academic assessments. These texts are interconnected through Enzenberg's insightful commentary, presented in the form of glosses, a literary style that straddles retelling and reconstruction. The interplay between fiction and fact mirrors the political complexities of the Spanish Revolution, highlighting the contradictions that defined this pivotal period.

On the trail of forgotten and half-suppressed struggles, Anarchys Brief Summer offers a singular portrayal of a revolutionary movement that remains largely unknown outside of Spain. Through its meticulous research and engaging narrative, the book sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of the Spanish Civil War and the broader anarchist movement. It serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of this significant chapter in history, providing a fresh perspective on a movement that continues to inspire and provoke thought today.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 166 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857426000