South Carolina Books

For some reason, my local library had all but this novel in Settle's excellent series. I've read The Beulah Quintet twice now and find the books rich and well written.

Novel set just before the Civil War and tells the tragic tale of Peregrine Catlett and his second son, Johnny. As Peregrine considers freeing his slaves, he realizes all his children have left, and he feels there's no recourse but to remain a slaveholder. Tied by a special bond to the land, Johnny returns, but only until the outbreak of war, when he joins the Confederate forces. But he loses sight of his reasons for joining the war...and ends up fighting both family and friends with disastrous results.

I had vainly considered myself to be fairly knowledgable about current American writers until that beautiful Sunday morning of 7 September 97 when I turned to the Book World section of my Washington Post and read an essay written by a septuagenarian author named Mary Lee Settle. She told it like it is, revealing how the literary marketplace of modern-day America has slid into a disgraceful period of not publishing unless it has a virtual guarantee of profit. Their business theory: only young writers can bring us a long stream of profit. I read her personal revelations with interest, likening them to my own experiences. For I, decades ago, had four hardcover trade books published by three different,notable publishers, and now - after a hiatus self-imposed in order to make myself financially secure - was finding it difficult to get published again. My age?

"Who is this woman?" I asked myself. "Her statements," I know, "are nothing but the truths. She tells it like it is. How refreshing!"

Then, on the subsequent Sunday, I was joyriding around on the net, accessed Amazon.com, and saw that this lady who was apparently considered "over-the-hill" had 39 - yes, 39! - books listed.

How could I not have read her? "I must correct my deficiencies," I told my deficiencies," I told myself. So, I scanned up-and-down, perusing the titles of her 39 entries. So many made the decision hard. Probably because I am, as she, a native Virginian and had just returned from a short vacation exploring the back roads of West Virginia, I chose her "Know Nothing" - a book billed as a novel that is a history of the western part of the State of Virginia, just prior to the Civil War and that land subsequently becoming the State of West Virginia.

I found it to be more than a history. I marveled at its rare eloquence; the conversations of Blacks with Blacks, Blacks with white people, and white people about Blacks. The vernacular and patois were perfect. Except, true to the actual;ity of that era, the term 'Black' was never used. It had not been invented at that time. It was always 'nigger' - a designation then, of itself, mot bearing any rancor or disrespect.

Soon, I was in love again. I saw that there existed out there, somewhere in the netherland of authors personally undiscovered, a will-o'the wosp who eluded me. She piqued my imagination. She of the intriguingly-beguiling persona - a mature person of the same generation as I, who had been blessed with the gift of verbally portraying people and events as they really were. I must meet her, I thought. She lives in Charlottesville, only about a 2-hour drive from my home in Fairfax.

Then, after the impetuosity of initial fascination wore off, I realized I am still in love with love. It would be best for us to never meet. What if a faux pas were to burst my bubble? I have found that the older one gets the more he or she needs a visionary shelter, a person who serves as an icon of one's dreams. That is the raison d'etre' of writers; to be the untouchable cloud in a heaven of imagination.

I recommend this vintage book to any and all, especially the current generation of "people of color."

As an avid fan of historical books, I was pleased to find a book about the Cuban Revolution, a topic that I had little knowledge of. This book is very well reaserched and is extremely informative. Prior to the writing of theis book, de la Cova interviewed dozens of rebels, soldiers, and civilians invloved with the Moncada attack, making his observations relativelly unbiased. Also, de la Cova uses the accounts of medical professionals and others present to refute some of the myths associated with the Moncada attack, including parts of the black legend, which held that some of the rebels were brutally tortured and killed after the attack.

Though de la Cova takes a staunch anti-Castro stand in this book, which is expected, he does not attempt to justify the actions of Batista's soldiers following the attack. He portrays Castro as an authoritarian tyrant using accounts of the rebels that he commanded.

I also liked the way de la Cova wrote the book. He did not spend paragraph after paragraph describing facts and statistics in great detail, which would have made the book hard to read. The book is similar to the works of Stephen Ambrose and other war writers in that it focuses primarily on oral history. I was never bored while reading this book.

The only real problem that I had with "The Moncada Attack" was that de la Cova has a tendency to repeat himself a lot during his writings. For instance, he compared Castro's Moncada Attack to Hitlers Beer Hall Putsch on at least three occassions. However, this was not a big problem and it seemed that the repetitions helped me remember some of the facts later on. This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical novels like I do or just wants to be entertained.

de la Cova, Antonio Rafael. 2007 The Moncada Attack: Birth of the Cuban Revolution.. University of South Carolina Press ISBN-10: 1570036721 ISBN-13: 978-1570036729


This is the most carefully researched study of the attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba on July 26, 1953 ever produced to date.

This attack and its failure started Fidel Castro on his way to international notoriety. Every detail of this complex event is covered, and every point made in a scholarly and impartial manner.

Now forget what you have read before on this topic, for most of what "you know" is incorrect. In this book we clearly see the first large fruiting of Castro's devious and Machiavellic mind, and we clearly discern a project which was an intentional military failure and yet an immense propaganda victory for its originator.


This book is even more detailed and thorough than Sun Shuyun, 2006 "The Long March," but reveals a parallel theme: communist propaganda has built false edifices of history, and on the altars in these obscene temples many naïve innocents were sacrificed by tens of millions to the gods of Marxist history. And as we know now all has turned to ashes.

The Moncada attack is not an easy ride. De La Cova has done a masterful job putting the facts together of events that launched the Cuban Revolution. It will require patience b ythe reader to get through the book, but it is well worth it.

Main points I got out of it:

1) It completely debunks the myth that US policy pushed Castro into the Communist side. De La Cova shows that Castro's decision to align himself with communism was all Castro and had nothing to do with US policy From the beginning his personality was well suited for this.

2) The comparisons with Hilter are chilling and expose, once again, his true intensions from the beginning.

A must read for anyone interested in Cuban History.

With his novel Nor the Battle to the Strong Charles F. Price has earned the stature to stand alongside such noted Revolutionary War authors as Dennis Conrad, John Buchanan, Larry Babits, Robert Morgan, and David McCullough. In this company of noted historians, however, Mr. Price distinguishes himself as perhaps the best "story-teller", as well as the best (if only) pen and ink artist. While his research is impeccable and he has taken great pains to use language common in 18th century America to flesh out the storyline of his tale, that which is most notable about this book is the breadth and depth of the introspective insights offered by his two main characters as they question the very reasons for behaving as they do.

For those readers who are well-read in the "Southern Campaigns" of the American Revolutionary War, and have placed "boots on the ground" at Guilford Courthouse, the Dan River in Halifax County, VA, the Waxhaws, Camden, Hobkirk's Hill, Ninety-Six, and Eutaw Springs, (and for all of you who have yet to visit these sites) this book provides the context for the battles and skirmishes that took place there. Mr. Price weaves first-hand accounts of the people who fought in these actions with such an accurate description of place that the reader is drawn into the fabric of history.

Not interested in geography? More of a people person? Mr. Price fleshes out Nor the Battle to the Strong with believable dialog placed into the mouths of Nathanael Greene, the Baron von Steuben (if you read German), Kosciuszko, "Lighthorse Harry" Henry Lee, William Washington, Otho Holland Williams, Jethro Sumner, Isaac Huger, Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens and a whole host of others. The masterful interplay of plot, people and place are never more evident than in the account of the Council of War that Nathanael Greene convened before the assault on British Troop under Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Stewart at Eutaw Springs.

For lovers of horse, this book, too, offers a delightful treatment of horses, horsemen, and horsemanship. The author details a view of cavalry life that is wide-ranging, thorough and informative. From a consummate list of every horse-color that might be familiar to an American equestrian, to the descriptions of the animal's conformation, and a thorough treatise on the training of a novice cavalryman, Mr. Price takes us through the Revolutionary War on horseback. The notable cavalrymen William Washington and "Lighthorse" Harry Lee play pivotal roles in this tale, as do the horses upon which the cavalry depended so much.

The only slight drawback I experienced while reading through the chapters were the rather lengthy sentences the author employed to detail his sense of place. They're well-crafted, albeit somewhat time-consuming. This book is not for the faint of heart when it comes to vocabulary, either. Which of you is familiar with the terms haar, caitiff, splatterdash, congeries, mingo, bunter, gabion, fraising, fleches, and pocosin?

I had the chance to address these comments to the author directly. His response:

"But I have to warn you, if long sentences test your patience, you'd best quit reading right now. It's the intentional style of the whole book. You're right that my purpose is to convey a sense of place, but not just of place but also of a very different time and way of thinking and expressing, and in those terms I'm a disciple of the late Patrick O'Brian; he rendered the period of the Napoleonic Wars in its own terms with relentless exactitude, and he expected the reader to care enough to follow him trustingly into that distant past. He expected, and I expect, the reader to do some heavy lifting, just as he did in writing it."


The last few chapters of Nor the Battle to the Strong come as a complete surprise, are somewhat disturbing, and offer an insight into the psychology of war trauma that has been largely overlooked until now. Without giving away the ending, suffice it to say you will be presented with a revelation that is gut-wrenching. And what is most interesting is that the clues are always there for you to see, but the reality still slams home like an aircraft hit on the World Trade Center.

I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

The action of this novel is seen through the eyes of two remarkable characters: General Nathanael Greene and private James Johnson. Alternately, we view the action from high and low: Greene's lofty perch from which he plots the "chess of war," and then through the astonished eyes of "wee Jamie," a runaway indentured servant who has joined the Continental army, believing it represents safety - a refuge for him and his sister, Libby. While Greene writes effusive letters to politicians and fellow officers, plots campaign strategy and consults with his staff, young Jamie learns the art of butchery and pretends Libby is his wife so that his companions will not pursue her as a sexual companion. Greene envies the dash and glamour of his peers, ponders his lapsed religion (Quakers do not engage in warfare), and yearns for "a place in history;" Jamie devises a plan to "elevate himself" by becoming a member of the First Dragoons.

What then, do these two men have in common? At the crux of Price's novel is a paradox. When Jamie learns that he may well be the direct descendant of a legendary warrior, the Scottish "Wee John, the Crowner's son," he begins to dream of a heroic encounter - an event that will carve his name in the family history. General Greene dares to dream of honor, fame and position ... after his coming victory. For both men, the battle of Eutaw Springs represents a predestined goal. However, for both, the consequences will bring painful revelations.

Historians have documented extensively the most impressive battles and heroic exploits of the American Revolution, but alongside the best-known military leaders, thousands of lesser mortals and their families lived out personal dreams and contributed mightily to the creation of a new country.

This superb historical novel presents General Nathanael Greene and Private James Johnson as their lives in a regiment of the Continental Army lead to the 1781 Battle of Eutaw Springs in South Carolina where fate brings, among the carnage, painful personal realizations for both men.

Price's novel is historically and culturally accurate, and his writing is brilliant as always. (Check out his other marvelous books.) The characters are engaging; the settings are powerful with both beauty and tragedy; and the overall story brings to the reader a deeper understanding of the birth of our great nation and the lives of people who, against great odds, created it.

Highly recommended!

In "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics", veteran reporter Rob Christensen, of the Raleigh News and Observer, provides a stellar addition to the pantheon of North Carolina political works.

This book is a must read for any politician, journalist, activist, observer or just plain interested party. Christensen deserves a medal for making the subject matter approachable to the layman. As an historical work, the book ranks among the most active and engaging stories in recent memory.

Perhaps a testament to the editors Christensen has had in his career, the prose is engaging and full of energy. There is hardly a weak spot in the entire book. Whether the reader is on vacation with hours on end or a casual nighttime bookworm reading a few pages a night, "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics" is sure to capture and hold their attention.

Read the full review at my personal website, or via this link:

[...]
Jeffrey Sykes
www.jeffreysykes.com

The most complete account of North Carolina political history I've ever found in one book. All the major players for the past century are here with lots of great stories. A great read.

The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North CarolinaThis is a wonderful read by one of the best newspaper reporters in the State. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in the history of modern day politics in North Carolina.

O. Max Gardner III

I picked up this book after hearing a talk on the the recovery of the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ship, now going on near Beaufort, NC. The book has the appealing qualities of great stories, excellent prose, and solid scholarship. Using Butler's references, a reader can explore way beyond what the book offers.

Finding a chapter on James Waddell, born in nearby Pittsboro, NC, was a surprise and a delight. Waddell, in the closing days of the Civil War, circumnavigated the globe, intending to disrupt Union whaling, a task at which he succeeded admirably. Waddell's Shenandoah was the only Confederate ship to cruise in the Pacific.

Butler's book highlights seamen of the southern coast, and brings to life vibrant personalities that most of us have not heard of. Pirates (Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet) get adequate attention, but are not the stars of the show. Otway Burns, a real swashbuckling privateer, is by far a more interesting character. The Confederate privateers are heroes in their cause, leading and surviving adventures worthy of an O'Brian or Forester. Confederate naval commanders (Cooke, Maffitt, Wood, Waddell) give a new face to war-time intrepidity. Most of those were names I did not know, but all were intriguing new personalities.

The book is spare, describing eight individuals in a little more than 200 pages. Butler provides adequate detail, in general, but doesn't often go beyond that. Having read Butler's book, I want to find out more, as you might. Waddell's exploits, for example, get a book length treatment in the recent volume, "Sea of Gray," by Tom Chaffin. Maffitt's novel, "Nautilus," is still in print and could be worth a look. There are others.

Butler's book is a tiny bit repetitive in spots, not a big surprise, given the degree of interaction among the protagonists. The repetitive elements are brief and not distracting. The inclusion of multiple maps is very useful for keeping geographical track. The photos emphasize that these were real people, with real lives -- including their loves, losses, heartaches, disappointments, and achievements. The tedium of a naval career is also abundantly represented. Butler does a good job of humanizing men who could otherwise have been caricatured as comic book superheroes. I also liked the descriptions of the innovations in ship-building that occurred, especially in Souther shipyards, during the War.

A good read for the nautical history buff, worth the money to buy, worth the effort to recommend. The prose is accessible, I think, to adults and young readers from about high school age.

While visiting beautiful Ocracoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks recently I picked up this book in a local book store. I wanted to get some flavor of the island's history and had skimmed through a dozen or so titles before I settled on this one. I was not disappointed. Lindley S. Butler has captured the marine lore of the Outer Banks in a well written and researched book. "Pirates, Privateers, and Rebel Raiders of the Carolina Coast" chronicles, without sensationalism, the often bloody careers of eight of the most important personalities of the days of pirates, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. All, from the pirate Blackbeard to the Confederate raider James I. Waddell, are shone in realistic fashion. I was much impressed by both the wealth of sources listed and with the easy reading style of this work. It made a great read during my flight from Raleigh-Durham to El Paso. This is, in my opinion as a non-historian, the way histories should be written to make them more accessible to the layman. I have to also give my compliments to the University of North Carolina Press for publishing this excellent account, which stands out among any number of books on pirates and privateers.

If you visit the coast of either North or South Carolina and wish to know more about the rich local history, you cannot go wrong in reading Butler's volume on the subject!

With Pirates, Privateers, and Rebel Raiders, Dr. Lindley Butler has written an exceptionally readable narrative that attempts to transcend the myths of sea outlaws and tell the stories of 8 important seafarers who operated off the rugged North Carolina coast. The book spans over 150 years from 18th century pirates, to privateers during the War of 1812, and rebel raiders of the Civil War. The stories of the notorious Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet open the book with engrossing tales about these pirates' lives and activities during their relatively short stints as outlaws. Historical consultant to the archaeological team exploring the 18th century wreck off the coast of North Carolina believed to be Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, Butler has researched some of the most up-to-date material on the world famous pirate, though much of Blackbeard's early life remains a mystery. Equally engaging are the stories of the lesser-known privateer, Otway Burns, and naval commerce raider Johnston Blakeley who operated out of North Carolina during the War of 1812. The poignancy of Blakeley's final days is skillfully told through Butler's narrative. The book concludes with the exploits of Confederate naval officers James Cooke of the ironclad Albemarle, blockade runner John Maffitt, naval commando John Taylor Wood, and James Waddell, the commerce raider who sailed around the world in the Shennandoah. The stories of these naval heroes of the rebellion reveal the intensity of the national struggle that shook the country apart and draw the reader into a deeper understanding of the personal struggles that affected so many in the nation. Although the lives of these eight men are not romanticized in Butler's book, romance is not left out of his narrative as family life and personal relationships are woven into each biographical sketch. Nonetheless, the action packed stories of these maritime warriors and thieves are thoroughly captivating, making the book difficult to put down. What Butler has reminded us is that history in its truest form is first and foremost about story-telling. He has succeeded in telling the stories of these men's lives in a way that is both historically informative and skillfully narrated.

A delightful collection of Post Cards depicting this lovely mountain settlement when it was pristine and largely untouched by man's hand. Much has been destroyed and replaced by new homes and condos, but the Historical Society captured life as it once was drawing flatlanders to cool from the summer heat. When transportation was difficult and arduous to Blowing Rock and God was still the architect in charge.

an excellent compendium of photographs which adorned postcards from a bygone era from this wonderful hamlet.While many of the hotels,motels,and attractions no longer exist,you can still find them in the minds eye with this book...truly a treasure to savor and share with your children

A project of the Blowing Rock Historical Society, Post Cards Of Historic Blowing Rock is a coffee table book showcasing wonderful samples of rare, historic, and colorful postcards from the American town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. A brief caption with background information on the pastoral scenes and landmarks enhances each postcard presentation and thereby brings to life a vivid, visually impressive, and memorable collection. A unique and highly recommended approach to regional American history, Post Cards Of Historic Blowing Rock could well serve as an example of what might be done by other community organizations to celebrate and memorialize their villages, towns, and cities.

i am a huge fan of both f. scott and zelda fitzgerald so it was great to get this glimpse into their personal lives. because their daughter was involved with this book, that gives it even more authenticity and it's like we're being given permission by scottie herself to look at her family's scrapbooks. a very surreal experience!

If you are a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald, this book is an absolute must-have! While I own just about everything that is written by or about Fitzgerald, this is perhaps my favorite book to peruse. It is compiled just like a personal scrapbook and is replete with photos of the Fitzgeralds as well as articles (by and about Fitzgerald)written in the 20s and 30s. Much of this content you will not find elsewhere, at least not in such abundance. Bruccoli, America's leading Fitzgerald scholar (as well as Fitz's own daughter, Scotty) did a spectacular job of putting this together. The scrapbook format gives the book an intimate nature and the set up is extremely attractive. Best of all, at just around $20, it is an absolute steal for the price! If you love Fitzgerald, don't go without this collection! It would make a splendid addition to any high school classroom that teaches Fitzgerald or any personal library that celebrates true literary classics.

My girlfriend, a fellow Fitz enthusiast, bought me this for my birthday and it ranks among the best gifts I've ever received. This is an amazing and exhaustively comprehensive scrapbook of the lives of the Fitzgeralds. If you're a fan and come away from this without wanting to get your hands on every single thing those two touched...there's something very, very wrong with you. ;) Beautiful book.

The book is informative and fun. The authors divide the chapters by types of activities (i.e. arts, active, spectator sports) which is helpful. Additionally, each activity is specified by geographic location (mountains, piedmont, coastal plain). I think this book would be especially nice for a wedding or anniversary gift for a couple living in North Carolina.

I bought this book as a gift for someone who asked for it, but I looked through it first. I expected cupids and overly cute things, but the authors have a real sense of humor and appreciate the potential romantic qualities of a wide range of otherwise cool things to do. I think it's just a great guidebook of fun things to do in North Carolina, romantic or not ... in the eyes of the beholder, I guess. But, if you're going to NC, or live there, take a look at it.

Romantic North Carolina is good fun for lovers and others seeking adventures off the beaten path in such a beautiful state. The authors are savvy about their topic and include vivid site descriptions and a vast amount of resources on North Carolina. The book is exceptionally well-designed and will be a handsome and helpful addition to travel collections.

This book is a must for anyone who wants to know who fought on the American side in the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. It includes a brief history of each person's involvement in the war. For Revolutionary War researchers, it is invaluable. Mr. Bobby Moss has put untold hours into this book, making it a monumental feat of documenting the people in South Carolina that fought for our freedom.

I especially enjoyed this book because it lists the rank and file soldiers of the American Revolution as well as the generals and other officers. It is a good resource for the at home genealogist. I recommend it to anyone searching for their revolutionary ancestors.

This book condenses lots of information relating to the Patriots from South Carolina who fought in the American Revolution. I have 3 ancestors who are documented. I am very interested in my ancestry and do lots of geneaology research. The price for the book was approximately 60% of the published price. Great job!

Salvador Allende, Chile's martyred leader and the first elected socialist President in history, is even more important to read today than ever with the growing shift towards socialism we are seeing in Latin America, especially Venezuela. The fascist goons lead by Augusto Pinochet, who killed Allende in a bloody coup that took place on September 11, 1973, believed that with Allende dead and gone he would be forgotten. Indeed, historical references to Allende and his Popular Unity government were repressed even from school textbooks during the Pinochet regime, and Chile is even today, with a socialist president, still hesistant to really discuss the man and his ideas. But Allende continues to have many supporters and admirers around the globe and in his country and "The Salvador Allende Reader" is the best collection of his speeches. Here we have a portrait of a highly intellectual leader, a deep thinker who wished to reform his country, fight racism and poverty, and stop the looting of Chile's natural resources by foreign corporations. This is not a book about the infamous coup, for that go to "Chile: The Other September 11" and "Paula," the powerful memoir by Allende's niece, the author Isabel Allende. The "Salvador Allende Reader" chronicles Allende's speeches from his stunning election in 1970 up to the heroic, final speech he gave as La Moneda Presidential Palace was being bombed. Allende's speeches here are also a testimony to what was happening in Chile during the three revolutionary years he was in power. We read Allende assuring his people that the fascist plots hatched by Chile's rich, upper classes in conjunction with the CIA would fail, in other powerful passages he stresses the need for education to advance a society and how racism is a plague. In 1971 Fidel Castro made a famous visit to Chile where he stayed for a record 27 days, here we get an interview between Allende and Castro where they both express solidarity and yet admit that Chile's revolution is it's own and not a copycat of Cuba. Allende's farewell speech to Castro is also a great call for unity between those in the Americas who wish to change things. One of the most impressive speeches is Allende's address to the United Nations where he declares that Chile is an independent nation that has the right to determine it's own future. The beauty of the work we find here is that it is not confined just to Chile, Allende's views and ideas about socialism and it's aims should be studied by all political students and socialists around the world. In fact, one can safely say that Venezuela is the direct the result of not just the movement begun by Cuba, but also by the striking example Chile showed the world as it peacefully, democratically elected a socialist to office. Salvador Allende has joined the mythical status of other revolutionary heroes such as Che Guevara, but his words still carry meaning and a potency scarcely found in the writings of long-dead Presidents.

This is a very telling, informative and stimulating collection about not only the life of El Compañero Presidente, but Chilean history in general, especially during the years 1970-1973. One comes to understand Allende not as a Napolean of an Orwellian novel but as the embodiment of democracy, human rights and compassion. You will read about and come to understand how Allende came to power (the world's first freely elected socialist president), as well as the true socialist, not communist, nature of the programs he tried to introduce into Chile. You will read about his friendship and re-establishment of relations with revolutoinary Cuba. Included also are some great discourses given before world bodies such as the U.N., decrying, well ahead of the time it has become accepted to do so, what he viewed as the budding New World Order. More than anything, you will get a feel for President Allende's commitment to democracy, human rights and progress for Chile, as evidenced by his last words via radio to the Chilean nation before his assassination: "I have faith in Chile and its destiny."

His words and ideas resonate still in our day. Anyone who believes that Allende was a victim of U.S. policy of containment, of U.S. fears, "justified," during the Cold War of Red communism getting another foothold in Latin America, which is now inapplicable, need merely consider the recent coup attempt in Venezuela of Hugo Chavez, a president similar to Allende in his election, political inclinations and friendship with such world malcontents as Fidel. The fact that the U.S., besides El Salvador, was the only nation in the hemisphere to quickly endorse the new government of a rightist who, like Pinochet, suspended all legislative and judicial bodies speakd volumes. Essentially nothing has changed, which provides for the words of Allende to still be applicable and important 30 years later.

One need merely visit Chile to get a feel for and understand El Compañero Presidente. He lives on in the memories and hearts of many. The tension is still enough that it is a topic better left alone. Allende was a man of the people. He strove to give back to the people. He worked to include the Mapuche, the marginalized of Chile. There was complete freedom of the press in Allende's Chile, as well as not one political prisoner. The situation was entirely the opposite under Pinochet. You will read this and more in this good collection.

Perhaps the highlight of the Salvador Allende Reader is a word from Fidel Castro, meant as a possible warning to Allende, become the defining and stirring memorial to El Compañero Presidente. Castro told Allende he thought "he trusted in democracy probably a little too much."

The words of Allende are not only important and inspiring, but are also urgently needed in our current de-evolutionary perspective of gross-consumerism. The intro. gives us a nicely detailed view of Chile and its potentials w/ Allende as its first democratically elected Marxist president. This was not a regime which ignored human rights. It seemed headed toward a true form of Communism, which may have only become possible by A) A defensive posture unified by the workers and the poor in Chile (i.e. Castroist Cuba during the Bay Of Pigs) and B) A willingness to further the great advancements Allende enacted, to their glorious ends. It reveals the true reality of Socialism and its real possibility and potential. The true failures of Allende were directed more-so by the counter-revolutionary tactics of Chile's Capitalists & those in the US government, who would rather see a military takeover by Pinochet & the deaths of 10,000 Allende sympathizers, including Allende himself, rather than a hint of true justice in the world.