I read this book in Spanish and have some good things to say about it and some other comments.

The novel is written in a rushed, but exciting prose that picks up one of its themes, that of flight and escape. Matute has a great talent for this style and once you become involved( right from the start) it's hard to put the book down. The descriptions of rural Spain are a startling revelation for the yankee reader, and the conflict between "los de abajo( the under dogs) y los de arriba( those above)is beautifully done.

The pueblo, Lower Artamila,is not a friendly place and Matute seems to have been born and raised there even though we know she is from Barcelona the capital of Spanish sophistication. The conflict between Juan and Pablo, half brothers in blood and social standing, is lopsided because we learn so much about Juan, the inheritor of of his father's estate. The land where the action takes place and its workforce. Yet we are given the one dimensional portrait of Pablo which to me was not satisfying.

As good as Pablo is we see in counterpoint how evil and confused Juan has become. There is a definite family bond that is emotional at one plane and sexual on another. Mix this with envy and loneliness and you have Juan reavealed as a kind of little monster who is the opposite of the good but boring little half brother Pablo. What goes on inside Juan's head is where the novel both succeeds and fails.

You have little to lose in reading this short book and I'm glad I did. I wouldn't put Lower Artamila on my travel plans, nor woud I want to have as my next door neighbor Juan Medinao.

It being on the reading list aside, this author unwellknown in the United States, is well. I dont have time to write a review that does it justice, but this is what it feels like to be young. Well, for me..I guess I had a bleak childhood.

it saved me in ap spanis

This picaresque novel is a sweeping historical/satircal/mock autobiography that should please readers with different interests. Marlowe's novel is a well researched historical story that shows the tensions bewtween the uper and lower class Spaniards as well as the stuggles among Christinas, Muslims and Jews. These stuggles are highlighted by the section devoted to the Algerian prison. marlowe deftly blends in satire throughout the novel whose targets include literary critics, Lope de Vega, Christopher Marlowe and even William Shakespeare. In addition to these two aspects, and most importantly, this is the life of Miguel de Cervantes, told to us by the writer himself. Marlowe traces Cervantes's life and stuggles in a smooth narrative that never loses pace. Cervantes becomes a tangible character who is passionate, depressed, humorous, bitter and ultimately successful. This novel becomes a highly accesible (auto)biography that combines illusion and historical fact with well formed assumptions about Cervantes's life. The only short coming of the novel is Marlowe's hinting at some keen philosophy on writing but not carrying it through to any conclusion. Cervantes (Marlowe) should be more complete in his discussions on the creative process and substance of quality literature. This is a fine novel that should be read by anyone with an interest in Cervantes, Don Quixote de la Manch or the European Renaissance.

One of the best books I've ever read - it has humor, intelligence, and imagination - all woven together into a magnificent story that captures the reader from the very first sentence.

Passionate, intelligent, lively, rich, complex and light at the same time, this book doesn't look to give answers, just a story...stories...requires a reader with the capacity to feel and think independently...if you need someone to hold your hand read Lope.

It's a multifaceted adventure (the reading of it) fun and touching.

Being of Spanish origin, I had of course a special interest in Woodworth's book. His methodology is particularly well settled and easy to understand. Although he has the honesty of laying down right his position on terrorism, the rest, amazingly, seems at no point subjected to unilateral diatribe or personal interest. This book is an intelligent, user-friendly report on the whole story of ETA, Spanish democracy and personal tragedies. In the light of very recent events of ETA violence in Spain, the reader will find in this book all necessary material to further explain and describe the ETA terrorism actions. Very enlightning.

I have always thought that being a socialist meant that one placed the State above all else, which the people described in this true account do. But I've also always believed that being a socialist meant that one abhorred militarism, had little or no regard for luxuries that are connected to capitalism, and protected human rights at all costs. STUPID ME!!
Mr. Woodworth has very successfully shown that not only can a democratically elected government order people to commit horrible atrocities like what the GAL (Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberacion)did from 1983-87, but that they don't have to be right-wing, as most people associate state terrorism with right-wing governments.
As I read this book, I had to constantly remind myself that the social and political terrorists of Felipe Gonzalez's administration were supposedly leftist, anti-militaristic, equality minded advocates of human rights. These people (Felipe Gonzalez, Rafael Vera, and Jose Amedo in particular) made a mockery of everything that democracy stands for. They ruthlessly ordered the murders of Spanish and French citizens. Yes, some of those that the GAL killed were ETA members or sympathizers. But the number of innocent people that the GAL killed is higher than the number of actual ETA members and sympathizers that were targeted and/or killed. This book is scary to me because it shows that even in a supposed democracy, people can do horrible things to their fellow human beings.
Lastly, I'd like to make a point and pose a couple of questions. The fact that many of the members of the GAL were mercenaries (people who kill other people for money), other criminals, and POLICE OFFICERS shows how "socialist" the Spanish socialists really were. I'd like to ask why in the world Jose Amedo, who said he had wanted to kill every member of ETA, and Rafael Vera, were treated as well as they were during their trials? And what insane political excuse could prevent Felipe Gonzalez from being charged with anything? Even the prosecutor was helping the defense because he respected what the GAL did. Overall, this book is amazing and needed to be written.
Mr. Woodworth, I'd like to show my appreciation in all of the ways that apply to this book:
Gracias. Eskerrik asko. Thank you!

The Irish journalist Paddy Woodworth has written one of the most analytical, serious and well-documented books on State terrorism and its dreadful socio-political implications for a young and fragile Democracy as that of Spain. Implications which are still continuing to haunt the Spanish State since then. "Dirty War, Clean Hands: ETA, the GAL and Spanish Democracy" is an original and fascinating piece of journalism, providing profound and outstanding insights into one of the most complex issues confronted by a democratic State in Western Europe. With the precision and ability of a master surgeon, Woodworth analyses the implications and effects of the use of terrorist dead-squads (i.e., the so-called GAL, 'Anti-terrorist Liberation Groups') in the name of protecting Democracy by the Spanish State in its fight against ETA ('Basque Country and Freedom'). It is widely argued that these horrendous events resemble the worst years of Franco's dictatorship. Moreover, Woodworth assembles the pieces of an extremely complicated puzzle revealing a picture hidden in the 'shadow history' of Spain. A picture which reflects the following aspects of such episodes in history: 1. The disturbing, dramatic and terrifying events of the State death-squads execution of 27 innocents victims, while providing colourful insights into the social and political world of the Basque radical nationalist movement; 2. The investigation of those crimes by journalists and isolated judges in pursuit of truth, and 3. The detailed criminal trials of those involved with State terrorism and their intellectual instigators. These trials were surrounded by a net of thrilling conspiracies, newspapers intrigues and manipulations, cover-up manoeuvres and a highly polarised battle for power between the PSOE (i.e., 'Spanish Socialist Party') and the right-wing rival the PP ('Popular Party').
In the collective memory of Spain and the Basque Country, the 1980's State's terrorist events are still much alive. These events shook the basic institutions of the Spanish Democracy,
reinforced ETA's appalling violence and strengthened its political alliances. Nevertheless, has Democracy and its 'State of Law' been re-established under the governing Popular Party?; Is the war over?. These questions still remain unanswered.
P. J. Oiarzabal Historian, BA, MA, MPhil, Reno, NV September 2001

The Essential Salvador Dali is exactly what the title stresses; everything that you need to know about the life and times of Dali without all the drab fillings that seem to thrive in recently written biographical reference titles. The book makes a point of telling the reader the important facts about Dali's life as well as analyzing some of his more important paintings and placing in various qoutes and facts to keep the reader interested. It also gives a clear explanation of the terms that would otherwise be unfamiliar to those who were not exactly surrealist veterans. The book will indeed prove itself a worthy resource for study as well as an entertaining tabletop reader.

This is a book for anyone who want to begin to explore the interesting word of Surrealism. The book is informative, clear and greatly written. A great book to have.

If you're looking for an introduction to Dali's works, this is a fine starting point. It features most of his most popular works, and a biography of his life. It's a wonderful teaching tool, and it's also a great gift for the artistically inclined. If you know a Dali fan, but you are working on a budget, this is the perfect book for you.

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. All someone needs when they get there is this book. I would give it 5 stars, but since the city has changed a lot in the past few years (with the addition of "Parque das Nações"- the former Expo98 site), this 1997 edition does not even begin to cover the "new" city, although it does it better than any other book you may find. The maps are excellent.

But if you want to explore more of Portugal besides Lisbon, I strongly recommend the "Eyewitness Travel Guide to Portugal" instead.

Eyewitness Travel Guides are really great value and this is a very nice guide book. Take an Eyewitness Guide and a Cadogan Guide (if available) and you will have all the information you might possibly need. Forget the competition. This is the kind of intelligent tour guide you have been waiting for.

The introduction is a beautifully illustrated time line of Portuguese history since the 1200s. The city and surrounding area is then broken up into sections and each is introduced by use of picture-driven accounts and easy to read descriptions of what you will encounter. There are nice maps and each area is described in such illuminating detail that you cannot help but get up early and get down to it. Each place of interest is preceded by a list of opening times, map locations and details of how to get there by using public transport.

It's all highly readable and also gives useful tips on where to eat, what to do, where to stay and how to get about. The nice thing about the hotels and eating guides is the way this book breaks down its recommendations by price - allowing travellers of varying budgets to enjoy their time in this fascinating of cities.

This is a very good book indeed.

Just back from a week in Lisbon, we used this guide & found that we could have spent a month or more & still not have come anywhere near exhausting the possibilities shown in the book. The previous reviewer made the point that this guide (1997 edition) is a bit out-of-date; true, but what it does include is excellent & very well presented. The book is a convenient size, has a sturdy cover, & is easy to carry with you as you explore the city. I usually go for Lonely Planet travel books, but chose this one instead because of its excellent illustrations. For your first visit to Lisbon, I don't think that you can go wrong with this book. By all means, go & see this marvelous city, an intriguing mix of old & new, but be sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes; Lisbon is built on 7 hills, & everything is either up- or downhill. The walkways are paved with stones & are not smooth, but that is part of the charm of the city. We plan to go back again.

Having read this novel both in Spanish and in translation, I can truly say that it's a masterpiece. The characters are realistically drawn, the plot is engaging, and most inportantly, we can see the inner feelings and motivations behind the main characters' actions. This book can be analyzed on so many levels: psychological, historical, from a feminist perspective...it's a gold-mine for Galdos scholars. But it shouldn't be limited to Spanish literature scholars; English majors should read it in their world lit classes to compare with Dickens.

Until I picked up a copy of Fortunata and Jacinta on a whim from a bookseller in Burgos, I had never heard of Benito Pérez Galdós: Why this novel isn't better-known in America is completely beyond me. Pérez Galdós is sometimes compared to Dickens, but the comparison is misleading: for delicious ambiguity, unsettlingly realistic psychology, and unforgettable, sympathetic characters far more engaging than vulgar, oversimplified Dickensian puppets, Pérez Galdós is far superior. The narrative sparkles with humor and wit while never compromising the tragic beauties that make the book so powerful. It's no exaggeration to say that this book should be required reading for anyone interested in culture - a classic not only of Spanish, but of Western Literature.

An unexpected delight, author Perez Galdos is the Iberian Dickens, with dozens of full length novels, many in an intricate historical series. Fortunata y Jacinta is perhaps his best known work, a sharply drawn social portrait of mid-Victorian era Madrid. The lower class and the bourgeoisie are each represented by one female protagonist, with penetrating looks at the clergy, government, and business establishments as backdrops

Geoffrey Parker wrote tight, leaving nothing extra or unneeded in "Philip II" which I rate a very concise story of the man behind the king. Parker drew from good research and could have included other aspects which may and may not have been true but he chose the journalistic route which leaves the reader with a stronger sense of knowing King Philip II, one of the most influential monarchs in the world. Parker's text gives thought to the effects of Philip's daily habits and events in his life which still have an effect in Spain and parts of the then Spanish Empire. Parker's effort reads well and should be included on the list of any serious follower of old or modern Spain, or of any countries effected by its empire. I read through it in four brisk sittings. Mike McIlvain

I am shocked there are not more books about the personal life of this interesting person in history. This book gives a very good picture of Philip II and the forces that shaped him and the religion that governed every aspect of his life, loves and holy causes. Because of his long reign, and dealings with all the important persons of the 16th century, his personal attitudes shaped so much by his childhood, influenced the political, social and religious tide of that time. The conquests of lands in the name of God, influences the geography and history of today

I picked up this book by chance from my father's personal library and found it to be a wonderfully written work on the life of Philip II.

An aspect I like about this book is that the author -- Geoffrey Parker (who at one point taught at Christ's College) -- tries to give as much of an objective account as he can, recognizing that the life of Philip II has been distorted by historians who have had a Protestant bias (and therefore portrayed Philip II as an inflexible tyrant) and who otherwise have not appreciated the cultural contributions of Spain because of what he describes as the "Black Legend" (wherein the Spanish are believed to be "tainted" with Jewish and Moorish blood).

Mr. Parker appears to exonerate Philip II of many simple-minded charges, and portrays him as a very competent and astute ruler with a strong intellectual curiosity who devoted his life to the Catholic Church. Philip II was somewhat of a connoisseur on art, who enjoyed the works of Bosch and Titian, but who happened to overlook the genius of El Greco. Another interesting detail in the book is Philip II's enthusiasm for hunting.

The book gives a good overview on Philip II's numerous wives and children (he was married 4 times and some of his children were stillborn). It also allows one to understand the period under which the Netherlands was ruled by the Spanish as well as of the "taming" of the New World, as well as the aftermath of the Armada disaster.

King Philip II preferred a very centralized government. He was an indefatigable ruler who did an incredible amount of paperwork.

Philip II is portrayed as an enlightened ruler who at times showed incredible mercy to his subjects. He even dressed like the common man and did not require subjects to bow down to him as did other monarchs. This was the quintessence of "Spanish nobility."

The poems were originally in Arabic, then Spanish by Garcia Gomez and now in English. Although the poems are still fresh, and thoughtful, it is better to know the command of early Arab poetry. As well, don't be dissapointed my Muslim brothers and sisters, it is not "Islamic poetry" as I thought when i purchased it. Many of the poems are love stories as well.

The content is very diverse, and that is nice as well, along with some well known Spanish poets that we have all heard of before makes the book a nice keep sake. If you are a poetry lover I would get the book anyway, where else can you get a text with Andalusian poets in English. I would definately recommend WISODOMS OF ISLAM if you would like a wonderful book in content, spiritual odes, and real love! For Allah that is!

So much of the world would relegate Arabs to an intellectual and cultural dustbin, not realizing that at one time Spain's Andalucia -- like Baghdad and Damascus -- were the world's intellectual centers while central Europe wallowed in the Dark Ages. This collection goes a long way in restoring Arab poets to their rightful place in the great literature of the world, providing the lover of poetry with a mesmerizing feast of complex and extended meataphors. Highly recommended to say the least!

What a wonderful selection of poems - each a gem with its own perfection: "her modesty turns / turns pearl into carnelian" or "The skin of the sky / is as smooth as the pelt / or the river".

Certainly the frequent references to wine and love remind one that the poetry has an Arab origin. But there is also a sense of non-Arab place as in "The Valley of Almeria".

The poems witness Spain as the border - a moving border - between the Arab and European worlds. As such, this too slim volume provides context for both Spanish and Arabic poetry.

I happened to buy this book on a whim before my recent trip to Barcelona. First of all I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Barcelona and would recommend the city to any visitors. But definately be very aware that pick pocketing is an industry there so don't carry anything visible with you and use all safety precautions. Now, this particular guide was pretty useful to me and my boyfriend during our trip. The way that the book is organized is into sections on Things to Know, Hotels, Restaurants, Nights Out, Sights, Excursions, Shops, and Maps. Within each of these sections it is further broken down into the specific areas of the city. Within the areas, they discuss a few possibilities for eating etc. (about 6 or so with good descriptions) On each opposing page it includes a small square map with colored dots allowing you to see where the particular restaurant you are going to is near which shopping stores. This organization took some getting used to, but it was generally helpful.

The main reason why we bought this guide was for the maps at the end which were very useful in determining where we were going. This guide provided a good amount of information without being overwhelming. However I would still also recommend that you purchase other guides in addition to it as it was not very all inclusive.

This book was the handiest, most useful travel book ever. Maps in easy-to-understand sections, easy to read, maps fold out but stay small, fits in the pocket - and has all those little bits of information - museum hours, phone numbers, metro lines, etc. - that you want in once place without hunting. Don't confuse these with Knopf's other travel books, which aren't nearly as good. I'm getting more of these guides, even for cities I'm familiar with.

folks, this is the best idea for a tourbook/map that i have stumbled across yet. i'm not prone to raving, but this will garner praise from me until the cows come home (bearing foot & mouth) no doubt.

so, why is this so great? first of all, it's simple and well designed. the city is broken down into sections. you turn to those pages and there is a brief description of places to eat, shop, etc. the pages then open up into a map of the section with a description of major sites in the area.

brilliant! no fumbling around a big map trying to find your street. no squinting to figure out where you are. it's easy to find landmarks, metro stops, etc.

the card stock is nice and heavy and has lasted well even in my back pocket. the descriptions have been helpful without being too lengthy. and at this price, it's quite competitive with other maps while providing much more.

Time-Out Barcerlona is very worth to be in the shelves, but this is not a guide for the quick travelers to Barcelona but a large content of information about the city.

This british guide claimes to be the whole and real knowledge of a city of 3,000,000 eyes, ears, arms and legs.

Time-Out is a good white and black point of view and very affordable.

Jose-Luis Mestre Barcelona - a different point of view...

Detailed, great maps, good information...5 stars

I highly recommend the paella at Set Portes.

The book includes great practical information such as metro stops as well as descriptive and concise info. about each point of interest. The restaurant tips are great too. We ate at several places suggested by the book, and the descriptions are fairly accurate.