The Militant(logo) 
    Vol.60/No.34           September 30, 1996 
 
 
`Episodes' Is Good Addition To Literature On The Cuban Revolution  
The following review appeared in the September 1996 issue of Choice, a monthly magazine of reviews published by the Association of College and Research Libraries, a prominent guide to current books used by academic libraries.

Guevara, Ernesto Che. Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War, 1956-58. Pathfinder, NY, 1996. 483p index ISBN 0-87348-823- 7, $65.00; ISBN 0-87348-824-5 pbk, $23.95

This new and expanded edition of the writings of Che Guevara is a convenient addition to the literature on the Cuban revolution. Many of the articles covering the difficult and precarious campaign to overthrow Fulgencio Batista were included in previous collections of Guevara's writings. But this edition has some previously unpublished material, a very good introduction, a chronology of events, a series of excellent photographs, and a detailed list of individuals mentioned in the Guevara writings. It is not hard to understand why Guevara became a Cuban and international hero during the late 1950s and early `60s. His writings convey an unusual intelligence, a romantic idealism, an uncompromising candor, and a good eye for details. He wrote gracefully, with considerable wit and wisdom, reminiscent of the companion of Hernán Cortés in New Spain, Bernal Diaz del Castillo. These articles bare the early days of the revolution, showing its nobility and sacrifice as well as its crass venality and personal rivalry. The experience in Cuba was heady and educational for the young Guevara, although as the Bolivian diaries would later indicate, his was an incomplete education. All levels. - F.W. Knight, Johns Hopkins University  
 
 
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