Customer Reviews

Death of a Revolutionary: Che Guevara's Last Mission, Revised Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read a fair amount of about Ernesto "Che" Guevera, and this is a good addition to the books already out there. If you're looking for an introduction to Che, this isn't the book for you. Anderson's "Che Guevera" is more detailed and covers Che's entire life. If you're looking for a full biography, go with Anderson's book. If you already have a grasp for Che's life and want to look in detail at the end of his life, this book is for you. Harris does a good job using both book research and first-hand research from his travels around Latin America over the last 30 years. This is a worth while read. Not life shattering, but very informative.

An interesting look into the last days of Che's life and times. It is an easy read and any person could pick it up and be enveloped in the story that Che lived. Before Pablo Escobar or Bin Laden the US wanted him and Castro more than anything. This story truly gives the reader what stress and pressure Che was under trying to start a new revolution in South America. Excellent and readable. PCR, BA history

Harris' book on Che Guevara, Death of a Revolutionary: Che Guevara's Last Mission, Updated Edition, was well thought out, with a clear defined thesis that incorporated detailed accounts from primary sources, as well as simple definitions of terms that may not be as easily understood to the ordinary reader. This book was written in a chronological frame, with heavy emphasis on the events leading up to revolution, and during Che's time spent in Bolivia. Where as one might think that this book is destined for college classrooms, I would recommend that Harris' account of this vital piece of South American history be read by historians, and also by those who are looking to broaden their horizons into the field of history that is not always taught in classrooms. In short, this book is excellent, and I find it to be a well-rounded read, and a vital part to my personal library.

-kc-

Much has been written about Che, and rightfully so. He was a major figure of his time and his impact is still felt today. This is an updated bio of this controversial figure and the author tries to steer a balanced course. In the main it holds up well, but the author's unabashed admiration bleeds through the text enough for many to be able to dismiss it as just another propaganda piece. More's the pity. Still, if you're an ardent admirer who hasn't gotten around to reading this one, you'll find little to object to. If you consider the man just a vile terrorist, I guarantee you won't approve of the author's work, but you might try reading it anyhow with as open a mind as you can manage. Human beings who live their convictions to the fullest, no matter what we may think of them, should be of interest if for no other reason than for their rarity.

Death Of A Revolutionary: Che Guevara's Last Mission by Richard L. Harris ****


This was the first ever book I ever read about the contraversial yet legendary and insperational leader Che Guevara. Exceptionally written in detailing the man's last mission into Bolivia in an attempt a revolution. With Che's personal diary excerpts from the time of the misson, to use of letters written to his own parents make this an interesting read no matter your personal feelings on Guevara.

Written by Richard L. Harris, a man who is well studied in the culture of South America and on this time period, and it shows. The mans cradentials come across clearly, yet contrived. While this is a pehonomonal book on the subject of Che, I would not recommend it as a first read like it was for me, only because the authors own admeration of Che comes across to clearly, and at times reads like a pro-che propaganda piece. Now I myself am a strong supporter of Che, and anyone who has such conviction and dissapline, even though I think some of this tactics were too drastic, this book comes across as to biased and more of a praise piece, or puff piece then a biography. But it does give great insight, so for that it has earned four stars.

A pretty good book on Che for people who are studing him. May be alittle complex for beginners but all in all a great book on the legend!