THE SIEGE OF ALCAZAR

by Cecil Eby ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 12, 1965

Toledo is ""the 'holy city of the Spanish Army"" for there is located its hilltop El Alcazar, Spain's West Point. This is the same building which dominates El Greco's spectral painting Toledo in a Storm. In 1936 Spain was twisted by three factions: the ruling Conservatives, the fascist Falangists led by General Franco, and the incipient Communists. The popularly despised Civil Guards had thrown in their patent leather wingback hats With the fascists (Nationalists) when Franco led an army revolt against the Republicans in power. Colonel Moscardo, in charge of El Alcazar, decided to side with Franco and defy Madrid. With 2100 men including more Civil Guard than Academy cadets, he sealed off the fortress and resisted aerial bombardment and ground barrages. Despite a fantastic pummeling that razed most of the fortress, and many tons of TNT which were mined in under it and exploded, El Alcazar held out for ten weeks until Franco's columns appeared. There is something profoundly despairing about this noble feat, but the telling is remarkably exciting and well-done.

Pub Date: Nov. 12, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION