Daniel Gray – Homage to Caledonia

This Book Week Scotland we are sharing Scotland’s Stories of adventure, recognising those who answered the call and stood up for a cause they believed in. In this spirit, we welcome author Daniel Gray to the Mitchell Library to discuss his fascinating book Homage to Caledonia which examines Scotland’s role in the Spanish Civil War.

The Spanish civil war was a call to arms for 2,300 British volunteers, of which over 500 were from Scotland. Homage to Caledonia offers a very human take on events in Spain, exploring both the combative and non-combative role of Caledonia in the conflict. Daniel uses a wealth of previously-unpublished letters sent back from the front as well as other archival items, to poignantly reveal little known stories of courage.

Following the session, participants will have the opportunity to explore special collections held at the Mitchell Library relating to the Spanish Civil War including items from The Ethel MacDonald Collection which includes Spanish periodicals, posters, broadsides, photographs and pamphlets issued by the National Labour Confederation (CNT) of Spain and the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI) during the Spanish Civil War 1936–1939.