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

Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America, 4th Edition, by John Charles Chasteen was published in 2016. The first edition was printed in 2001. Chasteen works as an author, translator, and professor of Latin American history and culture. He teaches at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Some of his other notable works are Americanos: The Struggle for Latin American Independence, National Rhythms, African Roots: The Deep History of Latin American Popular Dance, and his translation of The Contemporary History of Latin America by the Argentine historian, Tulio Halperin Donghi. Born in Blood and Fire is intended mostly for students (college or high school), but it is also appropriate for anyone looking for a general overview of the region’s history. Even those readers with an advanced knowledge of Latin American history can benefit from the book, as Chasteen mentions in many instances anecdotes from lesser-known historical figures, many women, and discusses artists and writers who reflected the zeitgeist of their times.

Summary

The book begins with a general introduction to Latin America, stating vociferously that modern Latin America has changed drastically since the 1940s-60s: “The Latin America of 2016 is no longer your father’s version” (1).