Longstanding struggle surrounding the nationalisation of a gymnastics-sports library

© 2018 Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia (Spain). This study investigates the vicissitudes of the well-known gymnastic-sports library of the Colón Gymnasium (1892-1906), compiled by Amadeo Llaverías in Barcelona. It also analyses the significance of this Library and of the Catalogue of the Colón Gymnasium (1935) in that period. Through a review of previous studies and by assessing new information obtained from primary sources, the study provides a deeper level of criticism regarding both the despoilment and the subsequent whereabouts of this library after the Spanish Civil War. From that period to the present, the study addresses the institutional disagreement and political conflict surrounding the ownership and custody of the documents catalogued by Amadeo Llaverías. Finally, the study focusses on the documentary value of this catalogue, and of the surviving books, for the historical study of physical education, sport and other related subjects.