The history of twentieth-century Spanish nationalism is a complex one, placing a set of famously distinctive regional identities against a backdrop of religious conflict, separatist tensions, and the autocratic rule of Francisco Franco. And despite the undeniably political character of that story, cultural history can also provide essential insights into the subject. Metaphors of Spain brings together leading historians to examine Spanish nationalism through its diverse and complementary cultural artifacts, from "formal" representations such as the flag to music, bullfighting, and other more diffuse examples. Together they describe not a Spanish national "essence," but a nationalism that is constantly evolving and accommodates multiple interpretations.
"The book contains a wealth of valuable insights for gaining a better understanding of modern Spanish nationalism and, in particular, of Spanish identity-two concepts that are erroneously associated in academic analysis? The current Catalan debate becomes more comprehensible after reading this book, which is extremely recommended for students of Spanish and South European studies, journalists, and academics specializing in Spanish politics and European nationalism." ? History
"Metaphors of Spain makes a rich trove of scholarship accessible to an English-speaking audience, framed in a way that will be of interest even for those without background knowledge about the country. The range of themes covered, from formal symbols to popular culture, is wide-ranging but coherent and well-conceived." ? Pamela Radcliff, University of California, San Diego
"This excellent collection explores one of the most fraught questions of modern European history: what did it mean to be Spanish? Every essay is stimulating and thought-provoking, serving as a useful introduction to Spanish nationalism for those who know little about the field while providing new insights and ideas for those familiar with the topic." ? Clinton D. Young, author of Theater Music and Popular Nationalism in Spain, 1880-1930
