Overview

A sweeping yet intimate exploration of Latin America’s political history, Forging Latin America profiles fifty-two of the region’s most influential figures who, for better or worse, have shaped its character and destiny from the Spanish Conquest to the present day. This polyphonic gathering of dictators, reformers, revolutionaries, artists, writers, priests, and activists not only foregrounds the major political developments since 1492 but also spotlights lesser-known stories of hope, change, and resistance from the ground up. Along the way, the book shows how ideas can bring down a government or build one, how power corrodes ideology until the perpetuation of power becomes an ideology in and of itself, and how the intellectual heritage of Latin America has been used, disputed, and reinvented over five astonishing centuries.

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9781538183311

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Reviews

Russell Crandall has crafted vivid portraits of a diverse cast of characters--beyond the usual suspects--who have left a profound mark on the fabric of Latin American societies. The result is a veritable kaleidoscope of ideas and power dynamics that sheds light on the region's disappointments and frustrations, along with its vibrancy and resilience. Forging Latin America is a delightful read, highly recommended for anyone interested in the region's fascinating history and politics.--Michael Shifter, former president, Inter-American Dialogue, adjunct professor of Latin American politics, Georgetown University

Russell Crandall has craftedvivid portraits of a diverse cast of characters—beyond the usual suspects—who have left a profound mark on the fabric of Latin American societies. The result is a veritable kaleidoscope of ideas and power dynamics that sheds light on the region’s disappointments and frustrations, along with its vibrancy and resilience. Forging Latin America is a delightful read, highly recommended for anyone interested in the region’s fascinating history and politics. -- Michael Shifter, former president, Inter-American Dialogue, adjunct professor of Latin American politics, Georgetown University

Russell Crandall has crafted vivid portraits of a diverse cast of characters--beyond the usual suspects--who have left a profound mark on the fabric of Latin American societies. The result is a veritable kaleidoscope of ideas and power dynamics that sheds light on the region's disappointments and frustrations, along with its vibrancy and resilience. Forging Latin America is a delightful read, highly recommended for anyone interested in the region's fascinating history and politics.

Author Information

Russell Crandall is professor of Latin American studies at Davidson College in North Carolina.

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