The Emancipation of South America [Hardcover]

Bartolome Mitre (Author), William Pilling (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2003

564 pages - In English Bartolom? Mitre, in spite of his manifold occupations as politician and statesman, journalist and writer, worked strenuously the biography and significance of general Jos? de San Martin. His preface is dated at the jail in Lujan in March 1875, during his incarceration and trial accused of having led a rebellion against the national government. As a matter of fact the three volumes long final version appeared in 1887, an amplification and completion of the original text published in the "La Naci?n" newspaper ob Buenos Aires twelve years before. Mitre expected this work to be, along with his writings about Manuel Belgrano published some years before, the basis of a clear vision on the origins of Argentina, supported by a solid foundation of documents and a serious and scientific methodology. In 1890, before travelling to Europe, general Bartolom? Mitre asked William Pilling to publish in London an English translation of his "History of San Martin", authorising the translator to condense the text, if necessary. William Pilling's book is an accurate expression of the sense and content of the work by Mitre, and constitutes an excellent contribution to the historiography of the independentist revolution in Latin America. This edition is based upon the original Pilling English version, a successful sinthesis of this classic argentine historiographic text.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In 1890, before travelling to Europe, general Bartolomé Mitre asked William Pilling to publish in London an English translation of his "History of San Martin", authorising the translator to condense the text, if necessary.

Not much is known about Pilling, except that he had written a novel "Near the Lagunas, or Scenes on the States of La Plata", whose action takes place between 1823 and 1861 in the camp near Chascomús, with lots of anglo argentine characters.

In December 10, 1892, Pilling wrote from London. In this letter he tells Mitre that finally the text had been delivered to the publishers, Chapman & Hall, and that the book would see the light on March the following year. Pilling also informs that aiming to catch the public eye he had taken the liberty of changing the title, using the original subtitle instead, as in his opinion "The Emacipation of South America" sounded rather more attractive to English readers than "History of San Martin". He also mentions that the text had been condensed to increase buyers acceptance: local prices were not as high as Mitre could certainly get in Buenos Aires, so costs had to be cut down. Also, in order to help readers understand the campaigns, three maps had been added.

The book was published as announced in March 1893.

In 1943 the Argentine National History Academy had the book translated back into Spanish. Julio E. Payró was appointed to perform the translation chores, and Ismael Bucich Escobar to update the texts. This new version was published as a startpoint for the "Argentine History Representative Men" series, directed by Dr. Ricardo Levene, chairman of the Institution at the time.

The book the reader holds in his hands is, thus, the original Pilling English version, a successful sinthesis of this classic argentine historiographic text.

Mitre, in spite of his manifold occupations as politician and statesman, journalist and writer, worked strenuously the biography and significance of general Jose de San Martin. His preface is dated at the jail in Lujan in March 1875, during his incarceration and trial accused of having led a rebellion against the national government. As a matter of fact the three volumes long final version appeared in 1887, an amplification and completion of the original text published in the "La Nación" newspaper twelve years before.

Mitre expected this work to be, along with his writings about Manuel Belgrano published some years before, the basis of a clear vision on the origins of Argentina, supported by a solid foundation of of documents and a serious and scientific methodology.

His book takes great care and explains the geography, economy and social conditions of America and, in spite of his undoubtedly high regard for San Martin, his view is impartial and even severe in his judgements.

William Pilling’s book is an accurate expression of the sense and content of the work by Mitre, and constitutes an excellent contribution to the historiography of the independentist revolution in Latin America.

Felix Luna

May, 2003

About the Author

Bartolome Mitre

1821–1906, Argentine statesman, general, and author, president of the republic (1862–68). An opponent of Juan Manuel de Rosas, he was forced into exile and had a colorful career as a soldier and journalist in Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. He returned to aid Urquiza in defeating Rosas (1852). A leader of the revolt of Buenos Aires against Urquiza’s federal system, Mitre held important posts in the provincial government after Buenos Aires seceded from the confederation. He was defeated by Urquiza in the civil war of 1859, and Buenos Aires reentered the confederation. As governor after 1860, he again assumed leadership when fresh difficulties led to open war in 1861. At Pavón he won a victory for Buenos Aires; he then assumed national authority. In Oct., 1862, Mitre was elected president, and national political unity was finally achieved; a period of internal progress and reform began. He served for a time as commander of the allied forces of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay! in the war against Paraguay. His political views led to attacks by Alberdi. In 1868, Mitre was succeeded as president by Sarmiento, and although still a force in politics, he devoted himself chiefly to literary work. He founded La Nación (Buenos Aires), which became one of South America’s leading newspapers. Mitre was known in his youth as a poet and in later years as a historian. His important historical works are Historia de Belgrano (1858–59, 4th ed. 1887) and this Historia de San Martín y de la emancipación sudamericana (1877–88), translated and published in London at his request by William Pilling as The Emancipation of South America, (1893).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 564 pages
• Publisher: Stockcero (June 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9872050600
• ISBN-13: 978-9872050603
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,271,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)