FREE: The Revolutions In Spanish America 1808-1825, by Albert Prago

The listing, The Revolutions In Spanish America 1808-1825, by Albert Prago has ended.

Hardcover, Like New condition
From KIRKUS REVIEW:
In 1810 Spain held the largest existing colonial empire, by 1825 only Cuba and Puerto Rico were left--ergo the importance of this book, the first general history, as the author points out, since 1918 (in contrast to the deluge on the American, French and Russian revolutions) and in its own right a substantial synthesis for high school students and their elders. In such a case the author's credentials and the bibliography are crucial Mr. Prago teaches Latin American history at Hofstra, his list of English-language sources is extensive, representative and up-to-date. In effect the book is a text, which is not to fault it: discussion of the common historical background and causes precedes a chronicle of events in each administrative area--New Spain (primarily Mexico), La Plata (roughly Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia), Chile, Peru, Northern South America--arranged for efficiency and impact with the most self-contained first, the climactic confrontations (personal as well as political and military) last. Unfailingly clear on the difficult terrain of coups, conquests and counterrevolutions, and necessarily compressed to embrace so many, the book: omits matters--like the shift in Bolivar's political thinking-that are not directly instrumental. Perhaps it is not coincidental that the only weak section is that treating of ideas--specifically the ideas of the Enlightenment--as causes: rather than describe the current spectrum of thought on the subject. Mr. Prago sheers off (p. 53), thereby undercutting his extended presentation. In regard to consequences, however, he is firm and precise. With good maps at the right spots, a helpful chronology and glossary, it's as well done as it was worth doing.