Homage To Catalonia

If I had to name one book that sums up the Spanish Civil War for me, then it would probably be HOMAGE TO CATALONIA by George Orwell. I found it inspirational and anyone who has read it will probably identify that Ken Loach's excellent LAND AND FREEDOM was largely based upon Orwell's account of his time serving with the P.O.U.M. militia in Spain.

Of course, as you read through Homage to Catalonia, the origins of Orwell's classic 1984 become very clear. I've never since been able to take seriously any media commentary about whether a '1984' state is just round the corner. It's not a prediction of the future at all, but the 'now' that Orwell experienced in Spain in 1937.

I have to admit that reading both Orwell and Esmond Romilly's BOADILLA again makes me want to buy some of those excellent Anglian Miniatures 28mm SCW figures. If only Nigel did 15mm too!

Following up on Orwell I found the following links that include some excellent essays on the workers and anarchist movements in Spain and the workers militias generally.

Homage to Catalonia - the complete book online. Chapter 6 is the most

Barcelona: Tragic Days in May - An essay on the Republican faction fighting in Barcelona that Orwell found himself a participant in.

1936-39 Spanish Civil War and Revolution - a superb introduction to the situation in Spain leading up to the Officers revolt and ensuing Civil War.

International Volunteers in the POUM Militia - a very good study of the Brits and other interntionals fighting in the P.O.U.M.. Includes a good photo of Orwell with the Independant Labour Party Contingent. You may be interested, the I.L.P. sell a booklet called Land and Freedom (60p + 30p P&P) which places the SCW in Catalonia in context.

Workers Power in The Spanish Civil War - from a largely Anarchist (CNT) perspective.

Durrutti - excellent biographical essay on the famous Anarchist leader.

Self-Management in Workers organisations and Militias - Another great study.

Militia at the Front - Interesting study of the militias at war.