Bolívar and the War of Independence: Memorias del General Daniel Florencio O’Leary, Narración (Texas Pan American Series) - Softcover

O'Leary, Daniel Florencio

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0292707150 ISBN 13: 9780292707153

Publisher: University of Texas Press, 1970

Synopsis

The overthrow of Spanish rule and the birth of new republican governments in northern South America at the beginning of the nineteenth century were in large part the work of one man-Simón Bolívar. Bolívar was not only the soldier who built a patriot army from a small band of exiles and led them victoriously across Venezuela and down the spine of the Andes as far as Potosí; he was also the statesman who framed the new republics that sprang to life after the defeat of the Spanish and who called the Congress of Panama in hopes of making real his dream of uniting all the South American republics in a single confederation. He was truly the Liberator. The Narración, or narrative, of the Memorias of Daniel Florencio O'Leary has long been recognized by Spanish American scholars as one of the most important historical sources for a major part of Bolívar's life. O'Leary took an active part in the wars for independence, first as a young officer, recruited in the British Isles to aid the patriot cause, and later as Bolívar's chief aide, often entrusted with diplomatic missions. His firsthand knowledge of the stirring events of the period, his access to relevant documents, and his close association with the major figures in the struggle, as well as his friendship with Bolívar, made O'Leary a particularly valuable chronicler and biographer. Bolívar himself, shortly before his death, requested that O'Leary write the story of his life.

About this title

Review:

"These Memoirs of O'Leary ... are without a doubt the best work ever published in the English language on the life and deeds of Simon Bolivar, the great Liberator of five South American countries.... The book is full of interesting vignettes, where O'Leary with great candor and sincerity virtually takes the reader by the hand into the inner sanctum of the great Liberator... a thoroughly enjoyable, condensed version." * Inter-American Review of Bibliography *

About the Author:

Daniel Florencio O'Leary (c. 1802-1854) took an active part in the wars for Latin American independence, first as a young officer, recruited in the British Isles to aid the patriot cause, and later as Bolivar's chief aide, often entrusted with diplomatic missions. Robert F. McNerney, Jr., received Ph.B. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University and taught Spanish at several universities.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Publication date: 1970
• ISBN 10: 0292707150
• ISBN 13: 9780292707153
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 414