Spanish Testament

About this book

Spanish Testament is a 1937 book by Arthur Koestler, describing his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. Part II of the book was subsequently published on its own, with minor modifications, under the title Dialogue with Death. Koestler made three trips to Spain during the civil war; the third time he was captured, sentenced to death and imprisoned by the rebel forces of General Franco. Koestler was at that time working on behalf of the Comintern and as an agent of the Loyalist Government's official news agency, using for cover accreditation to the British daily News Chronicle.The book was published in London by Victor Gollancz Ltd. The 'Contents' of the book is in two parts: Part I is Comintern propaganda, divided into IX chapters, each with its own title. Part II, titled Dialogue with Death, describes Koestler’s prison experiences under sentence of death. This part was written in the late autumn of 1937 immediately after his release from prison, when the events were still vivid.