Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The Spanish civil war was one of the twentieth century's most complex and bitter conflicts. What were its causes? And why do the stakes in that long-ago war seem just as relevant today in Britain, continental Europe and across the world?This Very Short Introduction explains the origins of the conflict and shows how it rapidly became a complex international war. By using personal stories, the book provides a powerfully human account of the war and its long continuation under Franco's dictatorship. It offers an ethical reflection on the war's resonances today and its legacy for the twenty-first century.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.