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)

Should be Required highschool reading

This should be Required highschool reading. There was so much I was embarrassed to not know about my own country.

what.when.where.how. wow

a lot of information that is important to my culture and background
Wow
wow

Great book

If you are looking for a good book about Latin American history this is the one.

Need to pay attention to audio book as there is a lot of information together, great listen.

Global Insights to Unchecked Rapacious Morality

Insightfully telling on how rapacious hubris repeats - if left unchecked--regardless of the reason(s); highly recommended for those unaware, or--trusting.

A dangerous book that everyone should incorporate.

This is an amazing, heartbreaking, and rage inducing work of art. This should be read by every person in the world.