Francisco de Miranda: A Transatlantic Life in the Age of Revolution
Through extensive use of contemporary sources, Professor Racine has brought Miranda and his times to life. She reveals Miranda's considerable faults as well as his unfailing spirit of determination to succeed in the face of overwhelming obstacles. This sensitive and informative volume places Miranda effectively in the context of the final years of Spain's American empire in a highly readable and vigorous text. (Ralph Lee Woodward)A welcome contribution to the central and timely subject of Latin American independence. This volume's focus is the career of Francisco de Miranda, the remarkable 'Precursor' of the Spanish-American struggle for self-rule. By examining his entire trajectory rather than his culminating—and tragic—role in the Venezuelan revolution, Professor Racine provides us with a captivating view of the transatlantic world of ideas, interconnected events, and personal contacts that shaped Spanish-American independence. The narrative is attractive, the research impressive, and the author's assessments consistently judicious. (Ivàn Jaksic)Professor Racine's take on Miranda is clear, effective, thorough, and sympathetic. She captures both the man and his times, tracks his quixotic career with care and accuracy, and offers sensible and insightful judgments about his success and failures. This book is a fine addition to our Latin Americanist library. (Lombardi, John V.)