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79 pages 2 hours read

John Charles Chasteen

Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Born in Blood and Fire by John Charles Chasteen provides a comprehensive history of Latin America from the time of Columbus's landing to the modern era, highlighting themes of colonialism, independence, economic turmoil, industrialization, the Cold War, and cultural developments while including stories of lesser-known historical figures, women, artists, and writers. The book addresses sensitive topics including colonial violence, enslavement, and dictatorial regimes.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John Charles Chasteen’s Born in Blood and Fire is praised for its engaging narrative and comprehensive overview of Latin American history, making it accessible to both students and general readers. Critics appreciate its balanced approach, though some note the occasional lack of depth in certain areas. Overall, it’s a commendable introductory text.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Born in Blood and Fire?

Readers who enjoy engaging, comprehensive overviews of Latin American history would appreciate Born in Blood and Fire by John Charles Chasteen. Ideal for fans of Eduardo Galeano's Open Veins of Latin America and Hugh Thomas's The Conquest of Mexico, it combines scholarly rigor with accessible narrative.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Latin America • Historical eras

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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