Why did four young men put their lives on the line to fight fascism in Spain with the International Brigades in 1936? How did they end up in the same prison cell? James Maley, Donald Renton, Geordie Watters and AC Williams were politically engaged young men in an era of global turmoil. They shared a vision for a better society and recognised the threat of the rise of fascism. Willy and Jennie frame the relevance of their fathers' fight in terms of the social justice challenges we face today.
A resonant piece of working class history, this book is a living link to four extraordinary stories. Why did these young men put their lives on the line and go to Spain to fight with the International Brigades? How did they all end up in the same prison cell? And what is their legacy today?
James Maley, George Watters, Donald Renton and Archibald Williams were members of Machine Gun Company No. 2 of the XV International Brigade. This is the first book to focus on a small group of men who, from different starting-points, ended up on the same battleground at Jarama, and then in the same prisons after capture by Franco’s forces.
Their remarkable story is told both in their own words and in the recollections of their sons and daughters, through a prison notebook, newspaper reports, stills cut from newsreels, interviews, anecdotes and memories, with a foreword by Daniel Gray.
Our Fathers Fought Franco is a collective biography that promises to add significantly to the understanding of the motives of those who ‘went because their open eyes could see no other way’.
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Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
READ MORECome along to the Costume Society Scotland's season of varied talks on fashion, costume, textiles, accessories and related subjects between between October and April at Augustine United Church!
READ MOREMany authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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READ MOREJoin us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
READ MOREA lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.
READ MOREReady to meet your Chocolate Love Match? Book now to secure one of the limited number of spaces available for our guided chocolate tasting experiences at Hotel Chocolat, Fort Kinnaird!
READ MORETake a trip to the frontiers of biology to explore the weird and wonderful world inside your DNA... at this free public lecture on Wednesday 2nd April at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
READ MOREJoin Phil Thompson at Drinkmonger on Wednesday 2nd April to hear about the Thompson Brothers plans for their new distillery in Dornoch, plus a Dornoch Distillery Tasting!
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