BARCELONA

Get a feel for the place by reading these books about or set in Barcelona.

Ian Gibson: Fire in the Blood

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Based on a British TV series, this is a controversial and personal look at contemporary Spain.

Colm Tóibin: Homage to Barcelona
This book is an excellent introduction to the city's modern life and artistic and political history.

Felipe Fernández Armesto: Barcelona - A Thousand Years of the City's Past
A fascinating history of the city from medieval days to the 20th century. Organised by theme.

John Hooper: The New Spaniards
An introduction to modern Spain by the man who was once the Guardian's Madrid correspondent.

Colman Andrews: Catalan Cuisine
This book is a helpful introduction to Catalan food, which has subtle yet marked differences to that of the rest of Spain.

Felipe Fernández Armesto: Barcelona - A Thousand Years of the City's Past
A fascinating history of the city from medieval days to the 20th century. Organised by theme.

Robert Hughes: Barcelona
Hughes takes an in-depth approach to the city's past and art with his customary mordant wit and keen eye.

George Orwell: Homage to Catalonia
This is Orwell's story of his involvement in the Civil War, moving from the euphoric early days in Barcelona to disillusionment with the disastrous infighting in the Republican movement