Open Veins of Latin America

Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent

By: Eduardo Galeano, Isabel Allende - Foreward

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Since its U.S. debut a quarter-century ago, this brilliant text has set a new standard for historical scholarship of Latin America. It is also an outstanding political economy, a social and cultural narrative of the highest quality, and perhaps the finest description of primitive capital accumulation since Marx.

Rather than chronology, geography, or political successions, Eduardo Galeano has organized the various facets of Latin American history according to the patterns of five centuries of exploitation. Thus he is concerned with gold and silver, cacao and cotton, rubber and coffee, fruit, hides and wool, petroleum, iron, nickel, manganese, copper, aluminum ore, nitrates, and tin. These are the veins which he traces through the body of the entire continent, up to the Rio Grande and throughout the Caribbean, and all the way to their open ends where they empty into the coffers of wealth in the United States and Europe.

Weaving fact and imagery into a rich tapestry, Galeano fuses scientific analysis with the passions of a plundered and suffering people. An immense gathering of materials is framed with a vigorous style that never falters in its command of themes. All readers interested in great historical, economic, political, and social writing will find a singular analytical achievement, and an overwhelming narrative that makes history speak, unforgettably.

This classic is now further honored by Isabel Allende's inspiring introduction. Universally recognized as one of the most important writers of our time, Allende once again contributes her talents to literature, to political principles, and to enlightenment.

©1997 Eduardo Galeano (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Well written and passionately stated, this is an intellectually honest and valuable study." ( Library Journal)
"A dazzling barrage of words and ideas." ( History)

The Same Abuse Over and Over

This was an excellent book, and extremely informative. I can see why Hugo Chavez presented it to President Barack Obama Unfortunately, the abuse and exploitation which has taken place in South America continues today. I see no difference between the European looting of the African continent, (King Leopold III and Cecil Rhodes) and what is happening in South America. The U.S. has a problem with China's involvement in Africa as well as Venezuela, but from what I've read China is having a positive effect in both places. And with what China has been able to achieve in such a short time, I believe their economy will surpass the United States.

Dated, but still a solid historical perspective

Because the book was originally written in the 1970s, there are enormous volumes of modern economic influences in Latin America that are not included here (e.g. the rise of the drug trade, AIDS, decimation of the American industrial/manufacturing economy, the economic rise of China, the end of the Cold War, NAFTA, US pre-occupation in the Middle East, etc.), which is unfortunate, since the material that is here is so compelling, it almost begs for a follow-up that covers the past 40 years of global economic chaos. This is a great overview of significant historical influences that is a highly worthwhile read.

Heavy but Wonderful

If you're on the fence about this book, just do it!

Sections of this book are very heavy. Remember that it is commonly referred to in college classes, and considered core reading for many graduate programs (despite its age). If you want an overall understanding of Latin American economics over the past few centuries, THERE IS NO BETTER SOURCE.

My foray into independent study of history.

This was the first time I have chosen to learn history of my own volition (aside from the occasional wikipedia page), and boy oh boy was it a good start. This book is absolutely incredible and Jonathan Davis does the poetic pros of Eduardo Galeano full justice with a sincere and nuanced narration. This book is incredibly eye opening and thoughtful. It tells you the history of Latin America from the perspective of culture and economics in a way that no US based education will. I highly recommend it. It has given me a thirst for more and now I'm off on the hunt for my next great history book here on Audible.

excelente

Me gustó mucho este libro, lástima que sólo llega hasta los años 70's. Es la triste realidad de Latinoamerica.