The breakdown of democracy in Spain in the 1930s resulted in a torrent of political and military violence. In this revised edition, Paul Preston provides a disturbing explanation of the democratic collapse, outlining the social and economic background. Since the first edition of this book was completed over 15 years ago, the archives have been opened up. The diaries, letters and memoirs of major protagonists have been published and there have been innumerable studies of the politics of the Republic, of parties, unions, elections and social conflict, national and provincial. This edition updates the original text to take account of the new material. The author’s other publications include: Franco: A Biography (Harper Collins, 1993); The Politics of Revenge: Fascism and the Military in 20th Century Spain (Routledge, 1990); The Triumph of Democracy in Spain (Routledge, 1986); and has edited Revolution and War in Spain, 1931-1939 (Routledge, 1984).