Spain has never functioned as a democracy. Throughout its history, only one system of governance has truly succeeded: dictatorship and the use of force. Violence, in fact, is what characterizes Spain, forming the core of its culture and identity, much more than any other Western European country. For over a thousand years, the country has been created and sustained through aggression - violent, relentless terrorism and war against its own people. Without it, the country disintegrates and Spain loses its existence - a reality recently confirmed by events in Barcelona. Authoritarianism is Spain's default setting.

However, Spain has produced many of the most important artists and thinkers of the Western world, from Cervantes, author of the first modern novel, to Goya, the first modern painter. Many Western artistic expressions, in fact, would be impossible without the Spanish contribution. This unique national genius, however, does not exist despite Spain's violent tradition; in fact, it is born from it. Indeed, Spain's genius and its violent nature are connected, entwined in a macabre, complex dance. This is the country's tragedy.

La Violencia reveals this truth for the first time, exposing the blood-stained heart of Spain - from its roots in ancient times to the Civil War and the current crisis in Catalonia. La Violencia will be in the tradition of those books that define our understanding of a country.