Simon Bolivar – A Life - Hardcover

Lynch, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300110626 ISBN 13: 9780300110623

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2006

Synopsis

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 this title

Review:

"...expertly researched and elegantly written..."
-- The Oldie, October 2006

'...a biography which is both professional and readable...impressive...' -- David Gallagher, Times Literary Supplement, 4th August 2006

'John Lynch is extremely sympathetic to Bolivar [and examines] Hugo Chavez's populism...' -- Filipe Ribeiro de Meneses, Irish Times, 1st July 2006

'[A] readable and up-to-date life, which will be the first resort of the curious for some time to come.' -- Economist, 1st July 2006

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0300110626
• ISBN 13: 9780300110623
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352