Description
José Giral Pereira
Book Summary
This work is an exhaustive biography of José Giral, a key political figure in the history of Spain during the first half of the 20th century. Through rigorous and previously unpublished documentation, the reader will discover the trajectory of a convinced republican who opposed the monarchy, was a colleague of Manuel Azaña, and went on to preside over the Government of the Second Republic at the beginning of the Civil War. The book not only reconstructs his life but also offers a window into the tumultuous Spain of those years, from persecution and imprisonment to exile in Mexico.
What is it about?
The biography of José Giral Pereira delves into the life of a character fundamental to understanding Republican Spain and the Civil War. The text details his opposition to the Alfonsine monarchy, which cost him persecution and imprisonment, and his role as a promoter of republican political groups. It explores his close relationship with Manuel Azaña, with whom he shared militancy, friendship, and Freemasonry. The narrative covers everything from his joy at the proclamation of the Second Republic, where he served as a deputy and minister, to his moment of greatest responsibility: presiding over the Government when the war broke out. Finally, it addresses his commitment in exile, leading the first government of the Republic from Mexico.
Main themes
- Political biography of José Giral, a central figure of Spanish republicanism.
- The opposition to the Alfonsine monarchy and the struggle for democracy in Spain.
- The Second Republic and the outbreak of the Civil War from the perspective of a Prime Minister.
- Freemasonry and its influence on the political and intellectual networks of the era.
- Republican exile and the institutional continuity of the government abroad.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the contemporary history of Spain, especially the period of the Second Republic and the Civil War. It is ideal for students, historians, and fans of political biography who are looking for a deep and documented vision of a key figure of republicanism and exile. It will also be of great value to those who wish to understand the complexities of Freemasonry in 20th-century Spanish politics.
What this book offers
- A meticulous and updated portrait of José Giral, based on a massive amount of new documentation.
- A deeper understanding of the political and personal dynamics that marked the Second Republic.
- Analysis of Freemasonry as a structural element of the political and intellectual relationships of the time.
- A detailed vision of life in exile and the struggle to maintain republican legitimacy.
Technical data
- Author: Chaves Palacios, Julián
- Publisher: Anthropos Editorial
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Biography: historical, political, and military, History
- Collection: History Ideas and Texts
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2019
- Number of pages: 464
- Weight: 1147 g
Editorial review
This biography is presented as a reference work for the study of Spanish republicanism. The exhaustive documentary research provides significant added value, offering new data and perspectives on the figure of José Giral and his environment. It is an essential read for specialists and a very useful resource for anyone seeking a rigorous and complete analysis of a crucial period in Spanish history, from the "intrahistory" of its protagonists.