Description
Simon Bolivar was a revolutionary who freed six countries, an intellectual who argued the principles of national liberation, and a general who fought a cruel colonial war. His life, passions, battles, and great victories became embedded in Spanish American culture almost as soon as they happened. This is the first major English-language biography of "The Liberator" in half a century. John Lynch draws on extensive research on the man and his era to tell Bolivar's story, to understand his life in the context of his own society and times, and to explore his remarkable and enduring legacy.
The book illuminates the inner world of Bolivar, the dynamics of his leadership, his power to command, and his modes of ruling the diverse peoples of Spanish America. The key to his greatness, Lynch concludes, was supreme will power and an ability to inspire people to follow him beyond their immediate interests, in some cases through years of unremitting struggle. Encompassing Bolivar's entire life and his many accomplishments, this is the definitive account of a towering figure in the history of the Western hemisphere.
About the Author
John Lynch is emeritus professor of Latin American history and former director of the Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London.
Reviews
"'A readable and up-to-date life, which will be the first resort of the curious for some time to come.' Economist 'Given the difficulty of separating man from myth, this soberly objective, well-researched biography is welcome. Professor Lynch has devoted much of his career as a Latin Americanist historian to the study of the independence war... It is fortunate that he has now chosen to bring it to bear on a biography which is both professional and readable. In all its complexity John Lynch's impressive, objective scholarship is an invaluable antidote to previous historians' and politicians' attempts to mould Bolivar to their particular ends.' David Gallagher, Times Literary Supplement 'expertly researched and elegantly written.' The Oldie"
Book Information
ISBN 9780300126044
Author John Lynch
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 590g
The book illuminates the inner world of Bolivar, the dynamics of his leadership, his power to command, and his modes of ruling the diverse peoples of Spanish America. The key to his greatness, Lynch concludes, was supreme will power and an ability to inspire people to follow him beyond their immediate interests, in some cases through years of unremitting struggle. Encompassing Bolivar's entire life and his many accomplishments, this is the definitive account of a towering figure in the history of the Western hemisphere.
About the Author
John Lynch is emeritus professor of Latin American history and former director of the Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London.
Reviews
"'A readable and up-to-date life, which will be the first resort of the curious for some time to come.' Economist 'Given the difficulty of separating man from myth, this soberly objective, well-researched biography is welcome. Professor Lynch has devoted much of his career as a Latin Americanist historian to the study of the independence war... It is fortunate that he has now chosen to bring it to bear on a biography which is both professional and readable. In all its complexity John Lynch's impressive, objective scholarship is an invaluable antidote to previous historians' and politicians' attempts to mould Bolivar to their particular ends.' David Gallagher, Times Literary Supplement 'expertly researched and elegantly written.' The Oldie"
Book Information
ISBN 9780300126044
Author John Lynch
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 590g
