He believes the views of those individuals, now in their 40s, influenced society. “Catalan nationalism is at an all-time high,” he said. “In a recent poll, 81 percent favored independence from Spain.” ...

To understand the history of Catalan nationalism, pick up a copy of this book. Irish writer Colm Tóibín lived in Barcelona during the Franco years and still spends part of every year in the city.

The separatists' problem was this: no opinion poll has ever shown a majority for independence since the current upsurge in Catalan nationalism began about eight years ago. For the past few years ...

and a sense of Catalan nationalism have combined to make FC Barcelona more than a club. And, how it's able to develop, and then keep hold of, some of the world's top footballing talent ...