Anti-Fascists : Jim McNeill and his mates in the Spanish Civil War by Michael Samaras
Foreword by Rodney Cavalier
Paperback, 358 pages, $39.95
ISBN: 9781923224575
Published in Mid-March 2025
The Australians who fought against Franco in the Spanish Civil War
were men and women of conscience. They were prescient in their
understanding of fascism’s threat and convinced that taking up arms
against it was the right thing to do.
This is the story of Jim McNeill, his mates and comrades. They were Australia’s pioneers against fascism.
This book is a deeply researched account of the history and
motivation of a small band of courageous Australians who, without
government approval or support, travelled to Spain in a vain attempt to
defeat fascism. A great read for any history buff.
John Faulkner, Former Labor Senate Leader.
With a meticulous historical eye and elegant prose, Michael
Samaras brings to life the courage and commitment of Jim McNeill and
other Australians who fought fascism in Spain. This remarkable book
represents the long overdue historical remembrance of an overlooked
group of extraordinary Australian women and men.
Paul Daley, Author and Guardian writer.
This book tells the stories of those Australians in the 1930s who
understood that evil must be confronted and put their lives on the line
in the struggle against fascism. Their stories are as relevant today as
they ever were.
Luke Foley, Former Leader of the NSW Labor Party.
In this study of the Australian antifascist movement, Michael
Samaras highlights the biographies of core figures, some well-known,
others less so or, as in a number of cases, where the memory of the
individual’s activism has been forgotten. The portmanteau approach will
appeal to Australian readers with an interest in Australian 20th century
politics and society. Judith Keene, University of Sydney.
Michael Samaras is a Sydney-based researcher and writer. In 2022 he
uncovered the Nazi past of the founding benefactor of the Wollongong Art
Gallery. This is his first book.
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