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The only Jason Webster book that I have read is Sacred Sierra which I enjoyed. I like detective novels so I will look for his when I have ploughed through my current list.

Rosemary

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I preferred Webster's non-fiction books, but each to their own.

If you are interested in the British involvement in transporting Franco from the Canary Islands (where he had been stationed 'out of the way') to Morocco from where he helped start the Spanish Civil War - Spain: The Vital Years Luis Bolin.

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I'd second the recommendation of Jason Webster's detective novels. I found them very atmospheric and gripping. And living in the Valencia region, it's fun when he uses real locations and hotels and restaurants in his books. We've ended up in a few bars and bodegas he has used in Valencia city. But his non-fiction books are also highly recommended.

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Oh no!!!! Second person mentioning these books so now I have to commit to getting them especially as I would like to wander into the places that the stories are set in. Beginning to think that this was a very bad idea of mine, started off as a bit of light relief but it is definitely going to cost me. Reading is my vice.

Rosemary

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Spain by Jan Morris is a superb travel book set in the 70's and 80's. I love her writing and it's not full of endless pages about churches. I loathed Iberia by James Mitchener. I've tried Don Quixote maybe four times but can't appreciate it. I wish Bill Bryson had written a book about Spain.

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Here are a couple of other books that haven't been mentioned yet (I think)

Christopher Howse :- The Train In Spain
Paul Richardson :- A Late Dinner

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I agree; I've got her book in hardback now as the Penguin one was coming apart.

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To add a few more as well, which will no doubt bring more concern to Rosemary if she hasn't got them (!!) are:
Back Roads to Southern Spain by David Baird....25 car trips around Andalusia
Back Roads Spain by Dorling Kindersley......excellent addition to know the "off the beaten track" places.
Walking through Spain by Robin Neillands (ex marine, deceased) ..... walked from Santander to Tarifa
The companion guide to Madrid and Central Spain by Alastair Boyd......a travelogue by a knowledgeable ex diplomat
A guide to Andalusia by the late Michael Jacobs.....knowledgeable and down to earth commentary
Romanesque churches of Spain by Peter Strafford.....for those interested in old churches!

and last but not least, the detailed guide produced in the 1850's but perhaps not even rivalled by Lonely Planet is Richard Ford's "Handbook for Spain" for book lovers/collectors.
Most if not all can be found pretty cheaply on Amazon, even though it's more fun to find a copy (as well as supporting them) in a 2nd hand bookshop.

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I thought that my book shelves were well stocked with books about Spain or based in Spain but your lists are proving me wrong. There are so many informative posts on this thread and I am sure that many new members who are researching living here will appreciate all of your recommendations.

So thank you all for taking part and please do continue, I am loving it.

Rosemary

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Here is another I completely forgot about...
Harry Ritchie :- Here we Go (A summer on the Costa del Sol)
It's really funny and gives a good portrayal of Spain in the early 90's

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I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the Chris Stewart trilogy which started with 'Driving over Lemons'. One of the first books about Spain I ever read. I could never decide whether he was barking mad or truly heroic in what he did.

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If you want to avoid endless pages about churches (see above) avoid Cees Nooteboom (Dutch author) Roads to Santiago. Has anyone mentioned Paul Preston? Lots of books on Spain (can be a bit heavy going)

For good insights/personal accounts on the International Brigade read - The Real Band of Brothers Max Arthur.

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Having met him, as we share an interest in farming and sheep shearing, he's certainly not barking mad. Just passionate about setting up a home in the Alpujarras, which he loves.

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For the original on the Alpujarras you must not forget Gerald Brennan "South of Granada" , wonderful introduction to the region, only a Brit would do it, walk from the UK ! We have spent several weekends there, of course visiting Yegen where Brennan lived but also the many other beautiful villages. The drive up from Guadix is very impressive. Also cannot miss Trevelez , research the story of the "Jamonero de Trevélez" - a Ponzi scheme in the late `90s set up by a local banker. Stole millions from the locals and ended-up in prison. Left behind a very good Asador in the centre .

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For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Shadow of the Wind.