The struggle for Latin American independence at the dawn of the
19th century recounted in all its gritty glory.Documenting this
ugly birth, Chasteen (Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of
Latin America, 2005, etc.) leaves no stone unturned. Maps of key
territories, a portrait gallery, a list of important figures, a
chronology and a glossary are just a few of the appendages to his
vivid account, making this a comprehensive yet concise overview of
a major turning point in Latin American history. Scholars are
likely to be familiar with most of the material; the strength of
Chasteen's graphic retelling lies in the colorful splashes of
language he deploys to transport the reader back to this tumultuous
time. Great stories abound. A decapitated horseman is dragged
through battle, still strapped to the stirrup of his horse. Mexican
revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo hands sweets to the firing
squad about to execute him. Defenders of the Mexican village
Cuaatla, besieged by the Spanish, eat "leather, iguanas, rats, and
insects." Chasteen utilizes the travel writings of Prussian
adventurer and scientist Alexander von Humboldt to describe Latin
America before the battles broke out. The main events, sparked by
Napoleon's occupation of Spain and Portugal in 1808, allow the
author to write eloquently on the actions and personalities of
figures such as the mercurial and enormously ambitious Sim-n
Bol'var (president of no less than five countries), Argentinean
military leader Manuel Belgrano and a host of major and minor
figures whose actions have been carefully brought back to life in
this compelling account. In the concluding chapter, Chasteen offers
his thoughts on the slow evolution of Latin American society in the
aftermath of independence.Strikes a neat balance between attentive
commentary and dynamic storytelling. (Kirkus Reviews)
In 1808, world history took a decisive turn when Napoleon occupied
Spain and Portugal, a European event that had lasting repercussions
more than half the world away, sparking a series of revolutions
throughout the Spanish and Portuguese empires of the New World.
These wars for independence resulted eventually in the creation of
nineteen independent Latin American republics. Here is an
engagingly written, compact history of the Latin American wars of
independence. Proceeding almost cinematically, scene by vivid
scene, John Charles Chasteen introduces the reader to lead players,
basic concepts, key events, and dominant trends, braided together
in a single, taut narrative. He vividly depicts the individuals and
events of those tumultuous years. Here are the famous
leaders--Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Bernardo O'Higgins,
Father Hidalgo and Father Morelos, and many others. Here too are
lesser known Americanos: patriot women such as Manuela Saenz, Leona
Vicario, Mariquita Sanchez, Juana Azurduy, and Policarpa
Salavarrieta, indigenous rebels such as Mateo Pumacahua, and
African-descended generals such as Vicente Guerrero and Manuel
Piar. Chasteen captures the gathering forces for independence, the
clashes of troops and decisions of leaders, and the rich, elaborate
tapestry of Latin American societies as they embraced nationhood.
By the end of the period, the leaders of Latin American
independence would embrace classical liberal principles -
particularly popular sovereignty and self-determination - and
permanently expand the global reach of Western political values.
Today, most of the world's oldest functioning republics are Latin
American. And yet, Chasteen observes, many suffer from a troubled
political legacy that dates back to their birth. In this book, he
illuminates this legacy, even as he illustrates how the region's
dramatic struggle for independence points unmistakably forward in
world history.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
