“Grocott and Stockey offer a thoughtful, in-depth evaluation of the social, political, and economic development of this once-crucial strategic location. The monograph is well written and intelligently organized, which makes for an easily understandable and entertaining read. . . . One of the book’s greatest strengths is its expert handling of the complicated history and relationships between Spain, Great Britain, and Gibraltar. The authors convincingly argue that Francisco Franco’s efforts to incorporate Gibraltar encouraged the development of a Gibraltarian identity that was and remains distinct from both Spain and England. The monograph provides a lens for examining some of the most important issues of the modern state through the prism of the rich and often neglected history of Gibraltar. Recommended.”

J. Rankin, East Tennessee State University | Choice

“A succinct, smoothly written, and seriously researched study of the civilian history of Gibraltar from 1704. The book contains much that is original and persuasive about economic development; about social difference, social class, and industrial relations; about Spanish as well as British influences on the community; and about the causes and pace of constitutional change. It demonstrates how a distinctive Gibraltarian identity was also prompted latterly by such contingent events as the Second World War, the ending of Empire, and Franco’s disruption of what had previously been Gibraltar’s largely open frontier with Spain.”

Stephen Constantine, University of Lancaster