Reviews

• Easy to read, written from the open admiration of the author, sadly is plagued with lies and exaggerations about the nature of the Spanish government in Hispanic America. It's incredible to read things like the printing press was forbidden in America by the Crown, which is a blatant lie, or that the creoles were discriminated in the administration. It's interesting still, but one needs to bear in mind the author's byass towards Spain. The reading of "Madre Patria" by Marcelo Gullo after this one is strongly recommended to balance this book

• This is, by far, the best biography I've ever read. There are 3 things that make a good biography in my opinion: quality of the prose, interest in the subject of the biography and effective telling of the person's life story. The writing in this book is SPECTACULAR. I dont say that lightly. This was so good, I thought I was reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The author set the scene throughout the book and it really felt like I was in Colonial/Post-Independence South America. In that sense this work of nonfiction reads a novel. That wonderful style did not interfere with the author's factual recounting of the Liberator's life. The subject of the biography is up there in the podium of "the great men of history." Bolivar's story is colorful and entertaining. His life a long list of commendable accomplishments. However, unlike Washigton's story, it was fascinating to see the Liberator as he was turned into a political scapegoat. This left a bad taste in my mouth because the betrayal was so shameful. (The fact that I was so invested is a testament to the author's great abilities). His achievements are almost impossible to believe. Rather than an in-depth look at given parts of Bolivar's life or specific accomplishments/battle this book recounts his entire life story. This means that the historical significance of many of his achievements is not explored in great depth. However, the result is that the book gives a clearer depiction of the man himself. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. The author is incredibly talented.

• Boring

• This is truly an amazingly well written and researched history. Although having many Sth American friends, I was totally ignorant about the countries' histories. Before reading Bolivar, I read a summary (written by a Brit) of the overall history of Latin America under the Spanish. This knowledge helped somewhat when I began reading Bolivar. His tactics, and Sucres, when finally winning over Peru (the last Spanish stronghold) are classic and should be much admired by military historians. Sadly, what makes a good military leader, doesn't necessarily make for a successful peacetime leader - no surprises there. Bolivar is certainly a larger than life character, and one whose reputation has been used to prop up various leaders, to the extent of exhuming his remains over and over so as to hold funeral pageants in his memory (supposedly). Highly, highly recommend this book. Despite its length, once started you will not put it down until you finish reading it.

• Un livre très intéressant pour une personnage légendaire. Merci pour le service

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