Juan Eslava Galan, the recognized and popular Jaen writer of historical novel, born in arjona a day like today of 1948. Of work as huge as it is varied, his close style and pleasant way of narrating historical essay, fiction and non-fiction has made it a more than important hole among the big names of the genre in its most informative aspect. So to celebrate that birthday, I give a I review some of their titles more representative. And that they be many more.
Juan Eslava Galan
Doctor of Letters and specialized in the historical genre with his read and followed essays, Eslava Galán prides himself on having a work as extensive as it is varied where he has played all styles and eras. From prehistory to the present day and, of course, dealing with all the most relevant moments in History. And telling it the way he does is not easy. And if the disclosure is accompanied by a light and fun style even more appreciated. But Eslava Galán too has written fiction novels without leaving the genre. He has also signed some with him pseudonym by Nicholas Wilcox.
Some works
As there are many titles, I choose some of the most representative ones.
The first and second world wars told for skeptics
Maybe of the best known and with that «For skeptics», usual tagline of their titles. For lovers and fans of the most fascinating and terrible historical period that comprised the first half of the XNUMXth century. A tour as exhaustive as documented, but what is done very easy to read, on the aspects of world contests, from reasons through the evolution in weapons or strategies and, of course, highlighting its main actors. And all dotted with anecdotes everywhere.
The Russian Revolution told to skeptics
The same happens with this title, where in the form again of story as fast-paced as with touches of humor, is about everything that led to triumph of the Russian Revolution, a momentous event in the history of contemporary politics. A review of the origin of the Romanovs, who was Rasputin or how did it go to Karl Marx, passing through the misery that plagued the Russian peasants, until reaching the Bolsheviks. Plus all the environments of conspiracies, attacks and biographies of its many more protagonists.
The Catholic kings
How not to treat two of the most important characters in the history of our country? Isabel I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon they laid the first stones of the foundation of modern Spain, the foundations of a future empire. But there were also shadows between the lights.
The Prado family
Commemorative title regarding the 200th anniversary of the Prado Museum which was held last year. On this occasion, Eslava Galán invites us to take a tour of the museum in plan Family album. So he stops at each frame to introduce ourselves to each person portrayed, from kings to illustrious or commoners. And he also tells us about what was behind one or another painting, their anecdotes or secrets that they keep.
Avarice
Eslava Galán also has a collection of books dedicated to The capital sins of the history of Spain, where you collect curious facts about them. This was the second volume, which deals with greed through historical episodes ranging from the stories of the most famous bandits from the XNUMXth century to the work of political prisoners in the Valley of the Fallen. And even characters like him Dioni and his spectacular assault.
A story of take bread and wet
And how can you food in the history of Spain? In this title, Eslava Galán reviews it for us through your kitchens and pantries, from our ancestors cannibals from Atapuerca, passing through Romans and their banquets or dishes and food they brought Muslims or Jews. Nor does he forget what came from the New World. All accompanied by the traces and so many anecdotes of the most motley characters.
I really liked his novel "Señorita", very well documented and entertaining. Thanks