Santos Juliá

historian

Santos Juliá (1940-2019) was a distinguished Spanish historian and sociologist known for his critical insights into the political and social history of Spain, particularly during the Second Republic. He began his academic career later in life, earning his doctorate in 1981 after diverse experiences, including being a leftist priest and an educator. Juliá specialized in the history of the Spanish Civil War and the transition to democracy, publishing influential works that bridged historical analysis with contemporary political commentary. His columns for the newspaper EL PAÍS reflected his commitment to democratic values and his critical stance on nationalisms and political corruption. Renowned for his independent thought, Juliá became a prominent public intellectual, advocating for a well-informed citizenry and an engaged democracy.