Simón Bolívar: Essays on the Life and Legacy of the Liberator (Latin American Silhouettes) - Hardcover

This book makes a strong addition to the English-language literature on Simon Bolivar. . . . Reading Bolivar's position on these key issues affords us an important perspective on the genesis of the Spanish American republics. -- Anthony McFarlane * Hispanic American Historical Review * As the bicentennial of the Wars of Independence approaches, it is time for new debate on every aspect of the independence struggle in Latin America. In particular, there is much more to be learned about the dominant figure in the South American movement, Simon Bolivar. The roster of distinguished authors in this volume, including some of the best-known Bolivar specialists, is outstanding, and they have much to offer. They address many key issues without flinching. -- Timothy E. Anna, University of Manitoba Simon Bolivar does an excellent job of introducing North American readers to the life and ideas of the great Spanish American liberator. The individual chapters helpfully detail Bolivar's political philosophy, his relationship with his contemporaries, and his attitudes toward, and status in, the United States and the UK. The concluding chapters, which explore his complex legacy, help remind us of Bolivar's continued importance as a political icon. -- Rebecca Earle, University of Warwick Simon Bolivar: Essays on the Life and Legacy of the Liberator distills, in a lucid, insightful fashion, important yet varied perceptions of that complex actor Simon Bolivar, who led the struggle for the political independence of five nations. This fine work will long stand as a persuasive and high benchmark for future Bolivarian and Latin American studies. -- J. Leon Helguera, Vanderbilt University

In this volume of essays on the life and legacy of Simon Bolivar, a distinguished group of historians takes a fresh look at the impact of "the Liberator" as warrior, political thinker and leader, internationalist, continentalist, reformer, and revolutionary. A balanced yet critical appraisal of Bolivar's role in the Spanish American wars of independence, this in-depth collection offers a persuasive explanation of why the Bolivarian legend and cult has persisted.