[.ca] Barcelona The Great Enchantress (ISBN 1426201311)

The hype does not match the reality:
It's not a bad book at all but my main grudge point comes from my interest in sports. Barcelona is famous for its soccer club CF Barcelona. It is and was symbol of Catalan nationalism esp. in the era when Franco ruled Spain (and Madrid's Real Madrid ruled not only the Spanish soccer league but Europe as well). The battles between the two are legendary both on and off the field. Throughout Franco's reign the only outward expression of Catalan nationalism was at Barca's home ground, the Nou Camp. Hughes basically ignores all that completely. Now you non-sports fans will think so what, but it is like talking about Catholicism without mentioning its symbols and idols. That aside, it's a good read just disappointing from my POV.

Love Story To a City:
That Hughes loves Barcelona is obvious from the tone of his book. A tight and compelling read, from which I have held back a star largely for fear that my own fondness for the place has caught me out. Perhaps for intendant visitors, the longer Barcelona would be a better choice, but to carry along, or as souvenir in the more literal sense, this short book is just right.

Got it right this time:
Essentially condensing, rewriting and updating his earlier work the 574 page Barcelona, this new 168 page version uses the examination of Catalan architecture to tell how the strong independent nature of it's citizens has created one of the most architecturally interesting cities in the world. The book begins with the Australian author's third and most recent wedding in the 700 year old town hall by the mayor of the city he has loved for 30 some years. A thorough knowledge of the history, culture, art, and politics of Barcelona presented with wit, keen observation, and an open fondness. Excellent book to read before going or if you have been, or for armchair travelers. Read this before the larger book, which you could read after this to obtain much more detail on the all aspects.