Payne describes and analyzes the development of the Falangist party both prior to and during the Spanish Civil War, presenting a detailed analysis of its transformation into the state party of the Franco regime -- Falange Espanola Tradicionalista -- as well as its ultimate conversion into the pseudofascist Movimiento Nacional. Particular attention is devoted to the crucial years 1939-1942, when the Falangists endeavored to expand their influence and convert the Franco regime into a fully fascist system. Fascism in Spain helps us to understand the personality of Franco, the way in which he handled conflict within the regime, and the reasons for the long survival of his rule. Payne concludes with the first full inquiry into the process of "defascistization, " which began with the fall of Mussolini in 1943 and extended through the Franco regime's later efforts to transform the party into a more viable political entity.