Synopses & Reviews
Rafael Carrera (1814-1865) ruled Guatemala from about 1839 until his death. Among Central Americas many political strongmen, he is unrivaled in the length of his domination and the depth of his popularity. This life and times” biography explains the political, social, economic, and cultural circumstances that preceded and then facilitated Carreras ascendancy and shows how Carrera in turn fomented changes that persisted long after his death and far beyond the borders of Guatemala.
Review
"Woodward has presented the field with all that is known, and perhaps knowable, about the figure of Rafael Carrera.”--American Historical Review
Review
"This book, Woodward's latest contribution to his decades-long work on the region, is a thoughtful and long-awaited reassessment."--Historian
Review
"[Woodward] uses a wide range of primary sources and furnished the reader with an excellent biography. A significant work in the field of nineteenth-century Latin American history."--Choice
Review
"No previous work on a major figure, movement or country of Central America so thoroughly puts the titled topic to rest. . . . It provides a benchmark from which to orient the isthmian historical terrain."--Hispanic American Historical Review
Review
"Based on extensive research, Ralph Woodward's scholarly book gives a detailed and balanced account of Carrera's political career and conservative legacy."--British Bulletin of Publications on Latin America, The Caribbean, Portugal and Spain
About the Author
Ralph Lee Woodward Jr. is Emeritus Professor of History at Tulane University. His books include
A Short History of Guatemala and
Central America, a Nation Divided.