From Publishers Weekly
Less a guide than a cultural resource for Barcelona-bound visitors, this work by Montalban ( The Pianist ) combines, in Robinson's flavorful translation, a review of the city's turbulent political history (culminating in democracy following civil war and Franco's repressive regime) with a lively account of Catalan character and a personal view of contemporary Barcelona. The author's itineraries here take in the city's varied architecture--from villas, parks and Gaudi's famous surrealistic structures to squalid barrios--and other aspects of Barcelona as Catalonia's capital and Spain's major seaport and center of industry and modern art. In a scathing preface, Montalban deplores an Olympic Games-inspired, four-year "speculative frenzy" of "uncoordinated . . . implacable destruction and construction." Photos. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Prefaced by a description of the enormous changes taking place in Barcelona as it prepares for the Olympics, the main text provides an extraordinarily detailed account of the city's colorful history prior to this transformation, examining and commenting on the diverse architecture, art, literature, culture, and social life that have flourished there over the centuries. Montalban ( Galindez , LJ 5/1/92) describes how Barcelonans preserve their heritage, the effects of industrial growth, and fluctuations in the urban population. A brief final chapter suggests theme-related tours for visitors. Robert Hughes's Barcelona ( LJ 1/92) gave a foreigner's-eye-view; this offers a native's perspective. Accompanied by maps and black-and-white photographs, it will be of particular interest to those wishing to know how the city has changed over time.- Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, OntarioCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Less a guide than a cultural resource for Barcelona-bound visitors, this work by Montalban ( The Pianist ) combines, in Robinson's flavorful translation, a review of the city's turbulent political history (culminating in democracy following civil war and Franco's repressive regime) with a lively account of Catalan character and a personal view of contemporary Barcelona. The author's itineraries here take in the city's varied architecture--from villas, parks and Gaudi's famous surrealistic structures to squalid barrios--and other aspects of Barcelona as Catalonia's capital and Spain's major seaport and center of industry and modern art. In a scathing preface, Montalban deplores an Olympic Games-inspired, four-year ``speculative frenzy'' of ``uncoordinated . . . implacable destruction and construction.'' Photos. (June)

Library Journal