THIS is the closest one can get to a definitive history of the Spanish Civil War.

In a highly readable account, Beevor covers the broad sweep of the war, while at the same time giving a real sense of the brutality exacted by those on the ground.

Seen as the opening round of the Second World War, the conflict saw Nazi, Fascist and Soviet intervention in a conflict which had its roots in all facets of Spanish history.

Beevor imparts an intimate understanding of the forces at play, while bringing to life the larger-than-life characters involved. Impressive and involving.