Product Description

A probing account of the life and death of a 1960s revolutionary icon, with a new chapter on the effects of his legacy today. For many people, Ernesto Che Guevara symbolizes the movement for social change that swept the world in the 1960s--a man who gave his life for his ideals. Whether the man made the legends or the legends made the man, a romantic aura has attached to Che, obscuring the political realities that motivated him. In this astute study of Che's life and his doomed campaign in Bolivia, which draws on extensive field research, Richard Harris considers the essential question: When Che Guevara was killed by the Bolivian Army in October 1967, did he die a hero, a martyr, or the victim of his own errors? Harris explores Che's youth and early political indoctrination and his association with Fidel Castro and the Soviet Communist parties. He follows Che as he traveled to China, to Africa, to Moscow, seeking to create an anti-imperialist front among the neutral nations of Asia and Africa. And he interviews politicians, government officials, and journalists in Bolivia, where Che went hoping to lead a peasant uprising and instead met his death. Death of a Revolutionary offers a rare, balanced look at the man behind the legend--and the circumstances that created him and shaped his choices.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #421327 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Library Journal
Well-written, provocative, and fair-minded.

About the Author
Richard Harris teaches at California State University, Monterey Bay, California. He is the author or editor of many books and articles on Latin American affairs.

Customer Reviews

Death Of A Revolutionary
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.

Wonderful. . .
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-

An enthusiastic bio
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.