Jaime Ardila

Exceptionally well written and documented biography of the greatest visionary, most valiant and brightest military leader to have been born on Latin American soil. Marie's vivid account of Bolivar's personal, military and political life is balanced and objective but not lacking in passion. Bolivar emerges as profoundly human and ready to sacrifice everything to free South America from the Spanish tyranny, but also as acutely aware and at times pessimistic about the challenges to build a functioning and prosperous democracy from the ruins of colonialism. A must read for all interested in Latin America.