Synopses & Reviews
Sometimes dangerous and chaotic but always lively and cosmopolitan, Buenos Aires attracts tourists from all over the world. The largest city in Argentina, this South American capital crackles with passion for tango, soccer, art, and food. In this handy travel guide, Buenos Aires local Jason Wilson provides a window into the cityand#8217;s history while also exploring its streets today.
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Wilson offers a history of Buenos Airesand#8217;s beginnings as a Spanish colony in the sixteenth century, describing how it evolved from a port city for European trade to a booming, multicultural regional capital that became the leading destination for European immigrants. He examines the many swings between authoritarian and democratic governments the city has experienced during its history and sorts out the urban myths from the real story of the monuments, buildings, and people of Buenos Aires. The book also includes essays on present-day Buenos Airesand#151;its parks, cemeteries, museums, and bookshopsand#151;to reveal what makes the city tick. Illustrated throughout with contemporary photos and compelling historical images,and#160;Buenos Airesand#160;provides useful references for travelers looking for restaurant, hotel, and itinerary ideas.
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One of the first titles in Reaktionand#8217;s newand#160;CityScopesand#160;series, this social and urban history is an authoritative introduction and intimate guide to this vibrant, alluring city, past and present.
Review
and#8220;Cityscopes new guides take a different tack, weighted towards in-depth social and urban history. Its Beijing and Buenos Aires guides will fully arm visitors with context as well as must-sees.and#8221;and#160;
Synopsis
Whether for tango, football, or art, passions in Buenos Aires run high. The largest city in Argentina, it is chaotic and lively, dangerous and cosmopolitan, and presents seemingly unlimited attractions for tourists. This book provides a view into the city today, and into its past. Europeans colonized Buenos Aires in the 16th century, and from this modest start by the end of the nineteenth century it had boomed. Its history is one of excesses and swings between authoritarian and democratic governments. By examining Buenos Airesand#8217; past, we can appreciate what remains as story, urban myth, or reality. and#160;
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About the Author
Jason Wilson is professor emeritus in the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies at University College London. He is the author of many books on Latin American culture and literature, including Jorge Luis Borges, also published by Reaktion Books. He lives in London and Buenos Aires.
Table of Contents
Prologue
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History
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1. The Two Foundations of Buenos Aires, 1536 and 1580
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2. The Colonial City and the English Invasions, 1806 and 1807
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3. Independence City, 1810 and Repercussions
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4. The Civil War City and Rosas, 1829-80
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5. Buenos Aires as the Capital, 1880-1930
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6. The Infamous Decade, 1930-43
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7. Perand#243;n, Evita, Peronism and Anti-Peronism, 1943-89
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8. Into the Twenty-first-century City
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The City Today
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Gardeland#8217;s Smoking Statue
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La Bombonera, Boca Juniors and Football
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On the Trail of Jorge Luis Borges
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The Greening City
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The Labyrinth of the Recoleta Cemetery
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The Fin de Siand#232;cle City: From Plaza de Mayo to Congreso
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Gallery City
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Bookworm Paradise
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The Museo Larreta and Walled Garden
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Listings
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Chronology
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Suggested Reading and Viewing
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Acknowledgements
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Photo Acknowledgements
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Index