Editorial Review

Even to those without Marxist sympathies, Che Guevara (1928-67) was a dashing, charismatic figure: the asthmatic son of an aristocratic Argentine family whose sympathy for the world's oppressed turned him into a socialist revolutionary, the valued comrade-in-arms of Cuba's Fidel Castro and a leader of guerilla warfare in Latin America and Africa. Journalist Jon Lee Anderson's lengthy and absorbing portrait captures the complexities of international politics (revolutionary and counter); his painstaking research has unearthed a remarkable amount of new material, including information about Guevara's death at the hands of the Bolivian military. ... Read more

Reviews (119)

Interesting, but maybe not for everyone.
If you want an in-depth study of Che Guevara from birth to death, this is the book for you.This book is scrupulously researched and detailed (almost to a fault).I wouldn't purchase this book if you want a shortened, glamourized version of his life that continues to propogate "the cult of Che".I think some reviewers have confused liking the subject (Che) with liking the actual book.Che was not a likable character.He was selfish, sexist, misguided, arrogant, and an absent parent.None of this is the fault of the author.Che was was also a passionate, idealistic and dedicated visionary on a mission to revolutionize social injustice. In my opinion, the author presents an unbiased and even-handed account of one of the most enigmatic figures in recent history.However, the story is a bit rambling and in all honesty once you've read the entire work, you will find yourself wondering if this was a man worthy an 800 page biography delivered by such a diligent biographer.One thing I can guarantee you is that after reading this you'll get a good chuckle every time you see someone wearing a Che t-shirt.

The complete bio of El Che
Aha, here you go, the full bio of El Che
Total Che
I don't think you will find a more thorough account of Che Guevara anywhere.The author exhausts all sources of information and goes above a beyond the expected subject matter to give the reader ample information about the communist/socialist revolution that occured during the 50's and 60's in Central and South America.
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Subjects:  1. 1928-1967    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Guerrillas    7. Guevara, Ernesto,    8. Historical    9. Latin America    10. Political    11. Revolutions    12. Biography: general    13. Guevara, Ernesto    14. Political leaders & leadership    15. Revolutions & coups   

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Reviews (1)

VIVA VENEZUELA!!!!!
This is a great book to find the real truth behind the Venezuelan Revolution, unlike the rich media in the US that constantly bombards the American public with imperialistic views.
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Subjects:  1. 1974-1999    2. Châavez Frâias, Hugo    3. History    4. History: World    5. International Relations - General    6. Interviews    7. Latin America - General    8. Latin America - South America    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Presidents    11. Revolutionary    12. Venezuela    13. American history    14. History / South America    15. Revolutions & coups    16. VENEZUELA_HISTORY   

Reviews (1)

Insightful and Educational
This is a nice collection put together by Tom Hayden that serves to give one a broad overview of the Zapatista movement.There are many books out there written on the subject, none of which I have had the opportunity as of yet to read.I think the strength of the Zapatista Reader is the multi-faceted perspective it offers the reader on Marcos, the Zapatistas, the state of Chiapas, etc.Much of the well-known and respected Latin America media, as well as from around the world, weighs in with a different take on the history, culture, politics, economic theory and more.To some the book might be repetitive, as most of the authors recount a lot of the same details.However, I also believe that to be one of the book's strengths, that by the end of the reader one is well versed in the goings-on.As each author hails from a different educational and professional background, each provides different insights, pearls of wisdom if you will, just when you think there couldn't be anymore to learn.One comes away with knowing the Zapatista movement more as Mexico's version of the Civil Rights era than the next Cuban Revolution, an understanding of Mexican history, particularly as it concerns national and agrarian politics and much, much more. Read more

Subjects:  1. Chiapas    2. Chiapas (Mexico)    3. Current Affairs    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Guerrillas    6. History    7. History - General History    8. Latin America - General    9. Latin America - Mexico    10. Mexico    11. Peasant Uprising, 1994-    12. Political    13. Politics and government    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Revolutionary    16. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    17. Current Affairs & Politics   

Reviews (16)

A Must-Read... With a Few Grains of Salt
This is a fascinating but brutal account of a desperate period in history: France's effort to preserve its overseas "departement" from takeover by the main Algerian revolutionary organization, the ultra-violent FLN.The author, then a captain, was the secret counter-insurgency commander in the then-regional capital, Algiers.Essentially, he met terrorism with terror, and justifies his brutal absolutism with grim historical facts that are excluded from Pontecorvo's historically-inaccurate propaganda film, "The Battle of Algiers."Although France was ultimately to lose the war, Aussaresses (as confirmed even by his opponents) won the battle!
The Prince of Darkness MACV & TLC
A great bit of history revealed. The truth that's told is more important then the writing. It is a engaging journal from someone who was there and who did what needed to be done. This book should be read by every senior US and British commander in Iraq and then they should kick the prying and crying press out of the country for six months while they do what needs to be done to secure peace. If we don't do what needs to be done we will lose the world war against the terrorists. Ironically it is the French who have been the most brutal of modern western powers in the past 100 years yet they critized the US & Britain in their daring attempt to liberate a people from a murdering dictator. Read and learn my friends, read and learn.

A must read for students of counterinsurgency.
I believe many of those who wrote reviews of this book are writing from their hearts as opposed to cooly assessing this excellent work. Afterall, it is hard for one to embrace the author's premise that physical torture and summary executions were the only way to effectively deal with Algerian insurgents.
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Subjects:  1. Africa - North    2. History - General History    3. International Relations - General    4. Political Science    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Revolutionary    7. African history: postwar, from c 1945 -    8. Algeria    9. History / General    10. Political Science / International Relations    11. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle   

Reviews (1)

A good book for leftists of color
This is not just a generalized book about Puerto Ricans.This is a packed anthology about the history of leftwing Puerto Rican organizations, both here and on the island.Let the reader be forewarned:it's purposely leftist and purposely focused on organizing.The book takes as a given that its writers favor independence from the United States.The book has a great chapter on PR gay and lesbian organizing along the East Coast.Many enthusiasts of Latino studies, leftist activism, and anti-racism struggles should purchase this.Just know that the book is written by progressives for progressives. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Government - State & Provincial    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. History - General History    7. Political Science    8. Politics and government    9. Puerto Ricans    10. Radicalism    11. Sociology    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. Ethnic studies    15. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    16. Pressure groups & lobbying    17. Puerto Rico    18. Revolutions & coups    19. Social welfare & social services    20. USA    21. c 1960 to c 1970    22. c 1970 to c 1980    23. c 1980 to c 1990    24. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (4)

Interesting Perspective
Winn is currently a History Professor at Tufts University (added the link to his office below) but at the time he began the research for this book he was completing his doctorate at Cambridge University. It is an interesting read, mostly documented with interviews with workers at the mill themselves. Winn gives good insight into the history of the mill itself and in doing so carefully explains the Chilean political class structure and the generational differences between the less politicized older workers and the more vocal younger workers.
Conflict between a revolution from above and that from below
The seizure of Yarur factory on April 25, 1971 marked the beginning of a tumultuous struggle for socialism in Chile. Salvador Allende, of the popular unity party, ran on a platform that sought to unify the working population. Allende's vow to guide Chile down the democratic road to socialism is one of his greatest legacies. The democratic road to socialism was paved, at least symbolically, with the efforts of the working class. The failures and successes of Allende's travel through la "via Chilena" hinge on whether "the Chilean revolutionary process was of and by the workers or merely for the workers."Allende would die the death of a martyr: machine gun in hand in an enflamed national palace that had been besieged by a hostile coup. If Allende died the death of martyr, to whom was he a hero? Inconsistent with traditional revolutionary ideology Allende feared a rampant revolution. As a self-proclaimed Marxist his views irked both capitalists and the middle class. El presidente compa�ero, regardless, was a president for the people. His core constituency demanded a revolution from below and thus complicated the revolution from above that Allende attempted to impose. With these conflicts in mind Peter Winn analyzes the extent to which Allende (a socialist) both failed and succeeded as a revolutionary.

The micro politics of revolution
I agree with the last reviewer, except for her\his curious reference to this being a "Trotskyist" view.What I like about this book is the way one can see the dilemnas and perspectives of different actorswithin the coalition that backed Allende.Less an endorsement of any onetendency's political line, this book brings out the tragedy of variousdemocratic revolutionary factions all trying to do the right thing andunable to unite the face of repression.Best of all, it links theperspectives of ordinary workers with the difficult choices face byleaders. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Employee Ownership    2. History - General History    3. History: American    4. Latin America - South America    5. Textile And Clothing Industries (Economic Aspects)    6. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. Chile    8. History, World | Latin American    9. Political Science / Communism & Socialism    10. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (2)

An Interesting Idea
M. Chartier has written an intellectual, tightly argued work that has been greatly beneficial to my understanding of the revolution in France.His notion that the ideas of the Enlightenment influenced revolutionary thought indirectly through a "demystification" of the monarchy is very intriguing.This book did much to make me question some of my long-held presumptions about the French Revolution.

Too hard for me.
After I have read more about the French Revolution I will try to read thebook again. I have read The Comming of the French Revolution by GeorgeLefebvre and enjoyed it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. Causes    3. Enlightenment    4. Europe - France    5. France    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Politics and culture    10. Revolution, 1789-1799    11. Violence    12. Cultural studies    13. Europe    14. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    15. Revolutions & coups    16. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (1)

Sartre's last major philosophical work.
Sartre wrote volume one of Critique of Dialectical Reason (CDR) between 1957 & 1960, & it was published in France in 1960. The first English edition appeared in 1976. A second, unfinished volume appeared posthumously in 1982.Read more

Subjects:  1. Historiography    2. Movements - Existentialism    3. Philosophy    4. Political    5. History: theory & methods    6. Marxism & Communism    7. Revolutions & coups    8. Socialism & left-of-centre democratic ideologies    9. World history   

Reviews (7)

Sweet dreams...
A nice light review of human history followed by the cure for modernity: love-ins followed by dispossesion of the rich and landed- which they will not mind because they will finally see the countless sufferers as "people" thanks to said love-ins... this is all nice for a society in collapse...like the workers actions in bankrupt argentina to keep business running... but here(US) we have affluence, and peoples common worry is, can I get a bigger TV, house, or [...]... so yes, when the anihilation of our way of life comes maybe there will be room for some change (;-)) But I bet on science to change our context at this point- it seems the one force that has no trouble flipping our cultures on end.I found this book really depressing in its glossing over of inevitable violence and flakiness... you think people will respond later who don't now?why?

Finding how the pieces fit
I have a small basket of the most valuable tools and books that I refer back to and share with others who are looking to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. Escaping The Matrix is my newest addition, for which I am most grateful to the author Richard Moore.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Richard K. Moore fell down the rabbit hole less than fifteen years ago.His Silicon Valley position allowed him to host one of the oldest online discussion community groups at http://www.Cyberjournal.org.The deterioration of the political system in the U.S. drove him to Ireland, but he continues to write, visit, and learn from the growing opposition to what he calls "The Matrix," that fabricated reality sold to Americans by the corporate press and politicians which has little correlation to the physical reality of those who bear the brunt of U.S and corporate policies.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Popular Culture - General    5. Revolutionary    6. Current Events / Political    7. History / General    8. History-Revolutionary    9. Social Science-Popular Culture - General   

Reviews (1)

An intellectual interpretation.
Although called a "Critical Dictionary", this book does a remarkable job of describing the intellectual attributes of the French Revolution and comparing it with the ideals of the American Revolution. The author adroitly traces the origins of the French Revolution to theEnlightenment legacy and the age of reason.The well-organized chapterselucidate the principle participants, including Robes Pierre, who helpedstabilize the Revolution.In fact, this book explains that the Revolutionattacked inequality. Consequently, the peasants revolted and thebourgeoisie seized political control.Additionally, the philosophicalanecdotes of Hegel and Marx enriched my reading enjoyment.Moreover, thechapter about the American Revolution clarified the uniqueness of theFrench Revolution in its own conceptual framework.Overall, A CriticalDictionary of the French Revolution represents essential reading for astudent or general reader interested in the French Revolution. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - France    2. France    3. France - History - Revolution And Napoleonic Empire (1789-1815)    4. Historiography    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Revolution, 1789-1799    9. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    10. History / General    11. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (2)

Classic Study of Feminism and Revolution
I found this book to be an excellent study of the promise and failure of revolutions, specifically communist revolutions, to enactfeminst reform.I use this book when teaching courses, and it is well received.The points may be basic, but they are well documented and illustrated with a good case study.Highly recommended.

Adequate but not exciting
Kay Ann Johnson's book deals with how the Chinese Communist Party dealt with women's issues, especially marriage reform.The history of the CCP and feminism is rather complex and fluctuates rapidly, making for an interesting historical situation.Johnson's presentation is easy to read but not particularly engaging, and seems even a bit simplistic.Still, a good introduction to women in communist China. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. China    2. Confucianism    3. Family    4. General    5. History    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Women peasants    9. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    10. Feminism    11. Revolutions & coups    12. Social Science / General    13. Social history   

Reviews (1)

Texas-Mexican border tensions in early 1900s
During the decade of 1910-20, tensions between Mexico and the United States over incidents relating to Pancho Villa's threat to Mexico's president Venustiano Carranza and U. S. incursions into Mexico led by General John Pershing had become so tense that the "situation was not dissimilar to that of Jewish settlers in the West Bank"; with the small number of white Texans along the border being compared to the Jewish settlers surrounded by a much greater number of resentful Palestinians. In this situation, the Texas governors of this decade--Colquitt, Ferguson, and Hobby--used the Texas Rangers to protect Texas citizens and combat the tactics of Mexicans directed by Carranza and in some cases acting as vigilantes. The unique and in ways controversial activities of the Texas Rangers in this complex, volatile, and fluid situation is the subject the authors hone in on. Harris and Sadler, both former professors at New Mexico State U., bring to light little-known dimensions of the historical events, which continue to affect relationships and feelings between the white Texans and Hispanics in the area. There was much lawlessness on both sides. Mexican Army troops dressed as civilians crossed the border to raid Texas communities. After Texas Rangers executed two Mexican agitators after taking them by force from the F.B.I., the U. S. Attorney General issued an order that all prisoners henceforth be held by the U. S. Army. The situation was especially complicated not only because of points of opposition between Texas and the U. S. Federal Government, but also because of Mexican president Carranza's desire for recognition by the U. S. while trying at the same time to stand up to it. While concentrating on the unique role of the Rangers in this complex historical situation, Harris and Sadler also construct the context in which their activities took place.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Latin America - Mexico    6. Mexico    7. Military    8. Military - Other    9. Revolution, 1910-1920    10. Revolutionary    11. Texas Rangers    12. United States - 20th Century    13. United States - State & Local - West    14. American history: from c 1900 -    15. Revolutions & coups    16. Texas   

Reviews (5)

Excellent resource of info on the "hessian" troops!
This diary makes clear the miscoceptions and wrong ideas A Hessian Diary of the American Revolution - Doehla.
This is a translation of a Diary of a Bayreuth soldier of the American Revolution written originally by Johann Conrad Doehla, A German Soldier's View of the American Revolution
This book is an interesting diary by a private in the German Bayreuth regiment, who served in America during 1777-1781. Dohla was captured at Yorktown, imprisoned in Maryland and not repatriated until 1783.Particularly poignant are examples of how German officers maintained brutal discipline and this brutality undermined morale.The diary is filled with desertion after desertion. Relations between British and German troops appeared decent.There is only limited discussion of combat operations in this account because Dohla's unit usually seemed to miss most actions for one reason or another, but there is plenty of skirmishing.Dohla's comments on America are interesting from the point of view of the common soldier.Unfortunately, there are no maps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History: American    3. Military - General    4. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    5. United States - Revolutionary War    6. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    7. Biography: historical    8. Revolutions & coups    9. USA    10. War & defence operations    11. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (19)

Well-researched and well-written spotlight on an overlooked land
I was directed to Michela Wrong's "I Didn't Do It For You" via my recent reading of Adrian Hartley's outstanding memoir "The Zanzibar Chest" (he dedicates the book to Ms. Wrong with a brief "Now it's my turn").As the offspring of an Italian mother and a British father, Wong is uniquely qualified by heritage (in addition to her obvious journalistic talents) to tell Eritrea's story.We get an expert and detailed (and downright fascinating at times) accounting of this small country's sinuous path through two colonial masters, the rules of Haile Selassie and Mengistu, its machinations with the superpowers during the Cold War (mind-boggling complex because US-funded Ethiopia and Soviet-funded Somalia actually 'dance past each other' and switch sides), the long battle for Independence and - almost incredulously - another war after independence had already been won.If even there was a country that 'punches above its weight', Eritrea is it.
Easy Reading
Great book that puts the reader into Africa and the events that transpired in Zaire/Congo.The author does a great job of explaining the background and key events that led up to the present situation in this African country.

An important but neglected subject
I picked up this book because my Uncle lives in Eritrea and I knew next to nothing about the place.It was immediately apparent that the writing was that of a journalist and not a historian but Wrong does a good job of placing the modern problems in a historical context.Some might say that the author is anti-American in her presentation but, if the shoe fits...The subject of Eritrea is important from both a humanitarian and strategic perspective but most Americans couldn't find the place on a map.A recommended read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa - East    2. Africa - East - Ethiopia    3. Africa - History    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Political    8. Rebellion And Insurgency    9. Revolutionary    10. History / Africa / East   

Editorial Review

The situation in St. Petersburg was growing more and more tense.The People's Revolution had begun by overthrowing the corrupt Tsarist regime in March 1917, but the workers and the peasants felt the revolution had much farther to go. Tired of fighting a war that meant little to them, the soldiers also grew restless: "When the land belongs to the peasants, and the factories to the workers, and the power to the Soviets, then we'll know we have something to fight for, and we'll fight for it!"Read more

Reviews (22)

How to get the most out of this great book
To appreciate this book, you have to understand what it is and what it isn't.
Eye Witness Account - Recommended by Lenin
This is an excellent account of the Russian Revolution told in story form and should be included in your study of the Revolution. The author was an American journalist and active participant in the American Labor movement aiding strikers in Paterson, NJ. In 1919 he chaired the meeting which founded the Communist-Labour Party, later the Communist Party of the U.S.A.. There is no such thing as an "objective" and neutral study, all sides are bias, so this book should be read with the so called anti-communist accounts to balance this study out.
A useful exposition of the October Revolution
John Reed's book, "Ten Days That Shook The World", presents a challenge to well-meaning scholars of the October Revolution everywhere.The continuing debate over comrade Reed's accounts of the events of the socialist triumph over the bourgeois Kerenskyite oligarchs has been overshadowed by the present-day temporary setback experienced by the Communist Party of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and its struggle to resume its true and rightful place as the vanguard of the international proletariat.As Engels wrote in his classic work, "Materialism and the Apostasis of the 18th Brumaire" (Progress Press, Moscow, 1957), the inevitability of achieving a worker's state is far from a seamless upward trail, and will, from time to time encounter momentary challenges and obstacles thrown in the path of progess by counter-revolutionary and capitalist elements.
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Subjects:  1. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    2. History    3. History - General History    4. Modern - 20th Century    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Revolution, 1917-1921    7. Revolutionary    8. Russia    9. European history: from c 1900 -    10. First World War, 1914-1918    11. History / Military / General   

Reviews (3)

Must Read - A Primer on Political Islam
Offers the best analysis on Political Islam that I've thus far read. As a grad student who encounters much of this type of literature, this the most detailed and thoughtful analysis and does not ignore nuance. This should desconstruct most commonly held beliefs on both Islam and Islamism.

An Uncommon Perspective on Political Islam
According to Burgat, the movements that we call "Islamist" arise out of three sequential factors:1) a disjuncture between Western-dominated international politics and the authentic identities and experiences of Muslims; 2) the need for a mobilizing device or oppositional rallying point to counter Western domination and re-assert authentic identity; and 3) defensive responses to the savage repression that has been visited upon Islamists (those who offer this mobilizing device) by unrepresentative states that are propped up by the West.While the first two factors explain the political appeal of Islamism to "the masses", the third factor explains much of the violence that has in turn sprung from Islamism. Excellent Francophone Scholar
As a french scholar, Burgat is a good alternative to either Olivier Roy or Gilles Kepel.I met him in Yemen and he struck me as an acute, level-headed scholar.His position is contrary to "post-Islamism" or "failed Islamism" model which basically states that the Islamic trend has reached its heights already, failed miserably and has nothing more to offer.The bombastic, vulgar displays of force we see now, from this perspective, are outgrowths of the frustration resulting from this failure.Finally, his work, previously only available in French, Islamise en Face, has been made available and updated in English.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. General    3. Islam    4. Islam - General    5. Islam and politics    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Religious aspects    9. Sociology of Religion    10. Violence    11. Islamic studies    12. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (2)

An essential anthology!
This book is an amazing collection of one of Latin America's greatest living writers and activists, Subcomandante Marcos (whoI, incidentally, think is one of the sexiest men in the world!!! Apparently, I'm not the only one who shares this opinion. According to the book, "First World, Ha Ha Ha!", Marcos has become somewhat of a sex symbol in the gay community in Mexico. There's even a condom named after him). My fantasies aside, "Ya Basta" is an essential anthology for anyone wanting to learn about Chiapas, Zapatismo and Third World resistance to corporate globalization. I especially enjoyed his stories about Durito and the cool photos. It's a hefty volume, well worth its price.

Great Book!
This is a great book, if you really want to know the truth and everything that is happening in southern mexico, this is the book to buy. Its a very detailed book, so its a bit long. It has reading of Sub Comandante Marcos and other great leaders. Great book, really recomend it.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History: American    4. Latin America - General    5. Latin America - Mexico    6. Politics / Current Events    7. United States - 20th Century    8. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. History / United States / 20th Century    10. Mexico    11. Revolutions & coups    12. c 1990 to c 2000   

Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. Art    3. Clothing and dress    4. Europe - France    5. Fashion    6. France    7. History    8. History - General History    9. Political aspects    10. Revolutionary    11. Social History    12. Costume    13. European history: c 1750 to c 1900    14. Fashion design    15. c 1700 to c 1800   

Reviews (6)

Revolution from a Structural Approach
Theda Skocpol seeks to explain the causes of social revolution through a structural paradigm. Her level of analysis is the state.This paradigm, holding the state as the level of analysis and concentrating on structure, is defined well by Migdal."This is a system-dominant perspective in which structuralists see states as interchangeable to the degree that they expect them to act similarly if facing the same array of forces" (215).