Customer Reviews

Poet and Politician of Puerto Rico : Don Luis Munoz Marin

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

 

 

To anyone interested in the genesis and evolution of the political situation of Puerto Rico this book provides a comprehensive and accurate representation of the political struggles of the people of Puerto Rico. The book efficiently and effectively provides enough background on the political history of the Island to accurately portray the situation of Puerto Rico at the turn of the Century. Providing an adecuate frame within which to discuss the aftermath of the Hispano-American War. These accomplishments then provide the proper context to understand the significance of the political figure of Luis Munoz Marin in the present political condition, but more importantly on the political future of Puerto Rico. The period photographs provide the glue that holds this book together. To read of Munoz's concern for the welfare of his fellow countrymen cannot be completely appreciated, but for those pictures despicting the living conditions of the "jibaro." Perhaps one of the most realistic accounts of the struggles of the Puertorrican people through the eyes of one of the political giants of Latin America.

I am the editor of this book, so perhaps somewhat biased, but I believe it to be an intriguing portrait of Don Luis Munoz Marin, who pushed for Puerto Rico to achieve Commonwealth status and then served as the first governor of the Commonwealth. Not just a politician, he was also a poet, and excerpts from his poetry appear in the book. Since the author, a native of Puerto Rico, sets Munoz Marin's story in the context of his times, this is also an excellent introduction to the history and people of Puerto Rico in the 20th century. There are numerous black and white photographs as illustrations and further information in the back of the book--adults as well as children are likely to find it informative. But you don't have to take my word for it. I've got review quotes and a full-color picture of the jacket on my WWW site at http://www.interport.net/~hdu/munoz.htm