Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life (Revised Edition) Paperback – Illustrated, April 20, 2010

Gifted to someone, they love it.

Marxism is bad for business. How do businesses respond in the face of competition? On a moderate scale, they smear or administer propaganda. On a grand scale, they wage war, colonize, brutalize, and exploit while calling it "protecting American interests." The book "Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life" by Jon Lee Anderson is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and unbiased account of Che Guevara's life before and during his activities as a Marxist revolutionary guerrilla. Reading this book puts a spotlight on how effective propaganda can be. For example, the general American concensus is that "Comandante" was a violent, bloodthirsty maniac when, in fact, his activities were in accordance with the rules of engagement as necessary in an environment of war; not unlike the actions of George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, or George W. Bush during their respective conflicts. Che fought against imperialism, neocolonialism, and the engine that drives them: Capitalism. He fought it wherever he could, and he was truly a man without a country. Although he was Argentina-born, and actually of semi-bourgeois Spanish background, Che fought alongside (and was willing to die for) the Cubans (and won), the Congolese and (did, in fact, die for) the Bolivians. His allegiance was to the impoverished, the marginalized, the indigenous, and the oppressed the world over.Side bar: I truly believe that the books we read find us.

For many years I have wanted to learn more about Che. I have traveled extensively in the Caribbean and I frequently see young people wearing Che t-shirts and see his likeness painted on the sides of buildings. I was curious as to whether or not he is someone to be revered or reviled. What I have heard of him is contradictory. So I wanted to delve into this controversial character's history but, I was concerned about reading just any literature regarding his story given the propensity of writers to cloud the facts with their own idealism. I read many reviews before ordering this book. I was not disappointed. It was an excellent read and I never felt like I was being manipulated by an author with an agenda. I finished the book and was left with the feeling that Che started with pure, selfless motives to help the people around him but eventually dissolved into megalomania. The author did an excellent job of illuminating the history of the region and intertwining the politics and motivations of all the disparate characters involved in Che's life. OVERALL: a good, balanced read.

Good book, very good info however it paints Che as this saintly figure which is not the case. Not entirely but definitely leans in that direction while thinking Castro is someone evil, and paints him as a poison to Che which is an interesting take for sure.

John Lee Anderson's book is one of the most researched books on Che Guevara you will find anywhere. Although at 800 pages reading the book can look slightly daunting - it is an in-depth study of Che Guevara. The research is all documented in the back of the book. It is almost as fascinating following the research as it is to read the story itself.This follows Che from birth to death and all the bits and pieces in-between. If you are looking for a book that enhances the popular Che of myth and legend this is not the book for you. This is a book of the good and the bad, the right and the wrong and as well balanced as any book could be.It comes down to learning that Che wasn't really a likable person at times - in some ways misguided, arrogant and selfish, -he is also a passionate and idealistic visionary who was dedicated to helping the fight against the injustices of the lives of the `lower-class' citizens of South America -to start with.The author provides an unbiased account of this idolised and basically unknown figure of recent history. He shows the human and humane side as well as the ruthless disciplinarian of the guerrillas, as he aided Fidel Castro in the takeover of Cuba and its almost disastrous change to communism. The insight into the relationship between Fidel and Che is fascinating.Che brought to the forefront the awareness of the poverty and inequality of the people of the world. He was inspired by Marxism and was never swayed from his chosen path.All in all it is a marvellously written book. It leaves it up to the reader to decide whether this man should be loved or hated and regardless of your decision you will have to admit that Che was an extraordinary person. A visionary of his time.

The book is really long, probably too long, but it does a really good job of letting the reader really get to know Che Guevara. The man was a true believer in Communism/Marxism and in toppeling the Imperialistic influence throughout South America... at the cost of alienating his family.