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Every year on 11 September, Catalonia celebrates its Diada, its National Day. But the Diada of 2012 was like none other, as an enormous crowd calling for Catalan independence took over the heart of Barcelona. Despite the carnival-like atmosphere that day, the people were very serious about their demands. On the back of this show of force, Catalonia's governing politicians turned secessionist claims into a new headache for a government in Madrid that had only just survived a near-meltdown of Spain's financial system. Four years later, the separatist challenge has neither come to fruition, nor faded away. This book looks at how and why Catalan separatism reached the top of Spain's political agenda, as well as its connection to the broader European malaise generated by flawed political responses to financial and other crises. Through extensive travel and reporting, as well as over fifty interviews with leading Catalan personalities, Raphael Minder explains how Catalans feel about their economy, history and culture, and how secessionist forces have tried to reshape Catalan identity.
Step into the heart of revolutionary Spain with George Orwell's powerful account, Homage to Catalonia. In this poignant narrative, Orwell recounts his firsthand experiences fighting in the Spanish Civil War, offering a vivid and deeply personal perspective on the political and social upheaval of the time. Orwell’s writing brings to life the intense struggles, challenges, and betrayals he witnessed as he joined the militia in Catalonia. With sharp clarity, he paints a stark picture of the ideological divides that tore the country apart, and the complexities of war that blurred the lines between friend and foe.But here's the twist that will captivate you: What does Orwell’s experience reve...
A narrative analysis of four main discourses of national identity in Spain, with a special focus on Catalonia, as disseminated in the Spanish press in the period between 1993 and 1996. The study includes assessments of the Spanish press coverage of the 1994 USA Football World Cup, and the process of negotiation towards a pact between Partido Popular and Convergencia I Unio in central government.
'If you had asked me why I had joined the militia I should have answered: "To fight against Fascism," and if you had asked me what I was fighting for, I should have answered: "Common decency."' Homage to Catalonia is George Orwell's account of the Spanish Civil War. It was the last and most mature of Orwell's documentary books and it is a sharp, focused and angry account of the fighting in Spain. The discomforts of trench warfare, his near-death experience of being shot, and his painful and disorientating medical treatment all contribute to the book's gripping immediacy. At the same time, Orwell was aware that he was producing a work of art: 'Beware of my partisanship,' he warns his readers, 'my mistakes of fact, and the distortion inevitably caused by my having seen only one corner of events.' Lisa Mullen's introduction examines how the book straddles the divide between literature and history, and provides readers and students with a concise explanatory account of the controversies which have grown up around the book since its publication.
This book presents the results of a research on the integration of second generation migrants in Catalonia. Drawing on in-depth biographical interviews, we demonstrate the link between language and social mobility. Language is a particularly important social issue in Catalonia. A bilingual region in northeast Spain, Catalonia has been receiving foreign migration for several decades. Nowadays, some of the children of those migrants are entering the labor market. For many migrant families, providing social mobility for their children was one of their main goals. What effects does bilingualism have on the social trajectories of migrant children? Is Catalan important for social mobility? The boo...
This book explores the complex history of Catalonia in relation to Spain from an economic and political perspective. It begins in the Middle Ages and ends in the present day, analysing the intricate political problems of modern day Catalonia within a context of European integration and nationalism.
Recent political developments in Spain regarding Catalonia have prompted scholars from several disciplines to research the singularity of this region and of the territories of the old Crown of Aragon. Against the backdrop of the pro-independence movement, those in favor and against have insisted on the particularity or commonality of Catalonia and the Països Catalans (Catalan-speaking areas) within the Spanish State. From the Catalan point of view, their singularity is not sufficiently recognized, and respect for their institutions and their autonomy is at stake to the point that many prefer to secede from Spain. Singularity or its absence play a relevant role in the construction of identit...
‘A truly beautiful book, written by my favourite Spanish man. These pages are packed with joyful rays of inspiration and utter deliciousness.’ – Jamie Oliver Located in the northeast of Spain, Catalonia borders France’s Pyrenees mountains and has a heritage and scenery like no other place in the world. In Catalonia, José Pizarro travels from the impressive Gaudi architecture in buzzy Barcelona, to the Roman and Greek ruins in Girona and secluded beaches in Costa Brava to create some of the best-loved dishes from the Catalonian region at home. Starting in the markets, José revels in the fresh meat, fish and vegetables, with dishes including classic Patatas Bravas, a delicious Duck Egg and Mushroom Stew, and a Rabbit Rice, typical of the region. From a Roast Chicken with Langoustines, Baby Squid with Mint that’s perfect for spring, to a wintery Civet of Venison with Ceps and Mash, and the delicate Hazelnut and Plum cakes, José’s interpretation of the regional flavours will inspire you to get into the kitchen. Set to the backdrop of stunning location photography, Catalonia will make you feel truly transported to this special region.
This book compares the developments of territorial politics in Catalonia and Scotland since 2010, paying particular attention tothe impact of independence referenda, Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the experiences of state and substate elites in both cases and argues for further reform to create more accommodative territorial models.