General Emilio Mola: Memorias de Mi Paso Por La Direccion General de

In this review of General Emilio Mola: Memorias de Mi Paso Por La Direccion General de Seguridad the focus is on readers seeking a primary account of the turbulent transition from monarchy to republic in Spain around 1930-1931. The book is recommended for those who want a firsthand perspective from a senior security official and for students of Spanish 20th century history; its chief value is the direct voice of General Emilio Mola Vidal paired with contextual notes and a personal account by critic Juan Bautista Bergua, which help situate the memoirs for modern readers.

Key Features

• Firsthand account: The memoir provides a direct narrative from General Emilio Mola Vidal about his time as Director General of Security during a pivotal political transition.
• Historical context: The text covers the final months of the Monarchy and the arrival of the Spanish Republic, offering contemporary observations on events between 1930 and 1931.
• Critical apparatus: Prologue and notes by Juan Bautista Bergua add interpretive guidance and help clarify references for readers unfamiliar with the period.
• Personal perspective: Bergua contributes a personal relato that complements Mola's military and administrative viewpoint with literary commentary.
• Biographical insight: The book sheds light on Mola's conservative ideas and his reorganization of the Policia Gubernativa, revealing why he became a controversial figure.

Who It's For

This volume is best suited to historians, students, and readers interested in Spanish political-military history who want primary-source testimony from a senior official involved in security and public order. It is also useful for readers studying the origins of the 1936 conflict and the personalities who shaped prewar policing and politics.

Readers seeking a balanced modern analysis or an academic monograph with extensive citations should look elsewhere; while the prologue and notes add context, the book remains a memoir and reflects the author's perspective and priorities rather than a detached historical synthesis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a rare primary document from a high-ranking security official during a decisive political transition.
• Includes prologue and notes by a respected critic, which help contextualize the memoir for contemporary readers.
• Combines military, administrative, and personal viewpoints, offering multidimensional insight into the period.

Cons

• As a memoir, the account reflects the author's viewpoint and may lack the impartiality of a modern scholarly study.

Specifications

Title	Memorias de Mi Paso Por La Direccion General de Seguridad
Author	General Emilio Mola Vidal
Contributor	Juan Bautista Bergua (prologo, notas y relato personal)
Period Covered	Final months of the Monarchy and the arrival of the Spanish Republic (1930-1931)
Subject	Police administration, political transition, personal memoir
Language	Spanish
Biographical Note	Emilio Mola Vidal (Cuba 1887 - Burgos 1937), Director General de Seguridad

Our Verdict

For readers who value primary testimony, this memoir is a worthwhile purchase: it delivers direct insight into the mindset and actions of a key security figure during a fraught political turning point and is usefully framed by Juan Bautista Bergua's notes. Those seeking neutral, heavily cited analysis should supplement it with academic histories, but as a documentary source and window into the period it represents good value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include editorial notes?
Yes, the edition contains a prologue, notes and a personal relato by Juan Bautista Bergua to help contextualize Mola's memoirs.

What period do the memoirs cover?
The text focuses on the late Monarchy and the arrival of the Spanish Republic, particularly events around 1930-1931 when Mola served as Director General de Seguridad.

Is this a neutral history?
No, it is a memoir reflecting General Mola's perspective and conservative positions, so readers should consider it alongside other historical works for balance.