Homage to Caledonia

The Spanish Civil War was a call to arms for 2,300 British volunteers, of which over 500 were from Scotland. Homage to Caledonia examines Scotland's role in the conflict, detailing why Scottish involvement was so profound. It uses previously-unpublished letters and archival items to tell little-known stories of courage in conflict and to question accepted versions of events.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Luath Press Ltd

The Spanish Civil War was a significant event that drew the attention of many individuals, including 2,300 British volunteers, of whom over 500 were from Scotland. The first book of its kind, Homage to Caledonia, delves into Scotland's involvement in the conflict, shedding light on why Scottish participation was so profound. The book follows a chronological structure, beginning with a survey of contemporary Scotland's landscape and then detailing the journeys of volunteers to Spain, their involvement in the conflict, and their eventual return home. Additionally, the book explores the non-combative roles played by Scottish volunteers, including fundraising for Spain and providing medical aid, as well as their political maneuvering within the volatile Scottish left. Through the use of previously unpublished letters and other archival items, Daniel Gray has been able to uncover little-known stories of courage in conflict and challenge commonly held narratives of events such as the murder of Bob Smillie or the heroism of The Scots Scarlet Pimpernel. Homage to Caledonia provides a human perspective on the events in Spain, offering a range of experiences, from tales of distress to humorous anecdotes. It is the first book to explore Caledonia's role in this seminal conflict, making it a valuable addition to the historical literature on the Spanish Civil War.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913025366
Edition number: 2 ed