In January 1937, the Spanish republican government asked Picasso to paint a mural for the Spanish pavilion at the Exposition Universalle in Paris. At first unsure of how to tackle a task of such importance, Picasso was spurred into action by news reports of the horrific aerial bombardment of the Basque town of Guernica, victim of the civil war. He worked intensively, producing more than 50 studies and making extensive revisions to the vast canvas which was installed in Paris in mid-June. Redolent with political allusions, reportage and historical references, the painting has attracted debate and analysis ever since its completion. A detailed analysis and assessment of this fascinating painting, this book is divided into thematic sections, taking the reader through each aspect of the painting. It shows preliminary sketches, repeated themes in Picasso's work and dramatic aerial shots of the bombing of Guernica, ending in a reproduction of the entire painting.