March 19 and May 2 & Bailén: A Modern Translation of Classic Spanish Historical Fiction (The National Episodes)

A nation erupts. An empire is challenged. History turns in a single summer.In March 19 and May 2, Spain stands on the edge of collapse. Through the eyes of Gabriel de Araceli, the fall of royal authority and the uprising in Madrid unfold with urgency and force. What begins as unrest becomes a moment of national awakening—when ordinary people rise against overwhelming power.In Bailén, that resistance becomes war. Marching across the scorched landscapes of southern Spain, Gabriel joins the forces that will deliver one of the most shocking victories of the age: the defeat of Napoleon’s army at Bailén. Amid confusion, courage, and sacrifice, a fragile hope begins to take shape.Together, these two novels continue Benito Pérez Galdós’s National Episodes, expanding a powerful portrait of Spain in crisis. Through vivid storytelling and deeply human perspective, Galdós captures not just the events themselves, but the lived experience of history—its tension, its contradictions, and its turning points.This modern English translation presents the original text in clear, accessible prose while preserving the depth, tone, and narrative force of Galdós’s work. Ideal for readers of historical fiction, classic literature, and European history, this volume continues an unforgettable journey through one of literature’s most ambitious historical series. Read more